Britain's Dan Linfoot saw his dream of a podium finish in his first ever Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix end after crashing out on the opening lap of the 15-lap race, breaking his left collarbone in the process.
 
The 20-year-old had made a strong start onboard the Rob Mac Racing Yamaha and was battling with Supersport pole man Keith Amor along the sixth gear straight when he lost control under braking for the tight first gear Lisboa corner. In the crash Dan unavoidably collided with New Zealand rider Bruce Anstey and German Rico Penzkofer, but fortunately neither rider was hurt.
 
Linfoot however was taken to hospital in central Macau for X-rays where a clean break of his left collarbone was diagnosed. He is due to return to the UK at the beginning of next week where he will have the broken bone plated to ensure a strong and quick recovery.
 
“It’s so frustrating and I’m gutted for myself and the team. In every session since I arrived I got quicker and I really thought we were going to be able to run at the front today,” said Linfoot.
 
“I made a good start and was up there fighting with the Superbikes. I got level with Keith (Amor) on the long straight and thought I could pass him. I braked where I had been during qualifying, but because I was on an inside line I just couldn’t get the bike stopped in time. I collided with Bruce (Anstey) and Rico (Penzkofer), which unfortunately ended their races,” he explained
 
“On the plus side at least it’s the end of the season so if I had to break something; I guess now is the right time and not the middle of the year. This is the first major bone I’ve broken in my body during my entire racing career, but I’ve got time to rest now so I’ll be back to full fitness and ready for next season no problem.”