Marlboro Ducati's Nicky Hayden was taken to hospital last night after a massive crash at the end of qualifying and he is doubt for tonight's opening MotoGP round at Qatar.

The American former World Champion is suffering severe pain in his back and after undergoing some initial x-rays at the circuit medical centre, he has been taken to a local hospital for further checks. He also required three stitches in a cut on his chest and a decision on his participation in the race will be made later on.

“I don’t feel like going for a jog right now, I can tell you that much! It was a big crash and I’m in a lot of pain so we’re going to get some more x-rays done and see what the score is," said Hayden.