Multiple-times Formula One Champion Michael Schumacher was taken to hospital with suspected broken bones after lobbing his German Superbike-spec Honda Fireblade.

Schumacher was knocked unconscious in the fall, and suffered mild neck and wrist injuries. He was taken to the local hospital as a precation but was discharged and flew home earlier this evening. He apparently lost the front going into the track's tricky first corner.

Sabine Kehm, spokeswoman for the racer, said: "It is only a slight concussion. Michael will fly home immediately (following his release)."