BMW Motorrad’s Tom Sykes was involved in a heavy crash during Sunday afternoon’s WorldSBK race at Barcelona with the British rider transferred to hospital.

Having fallen during the opening lap of Sunday’s feature race, Sykes was hit by oncoming rider, Lucas Mahias, with the red flag being brought out as medical attention was delivered.

Sykes was taken to the circuit’s medical centre where initial examinations revealed a concussion and he was therefore transferred to Barcelona hospital for further precautionary investigations.

“First of all, our thoughts are with Tom today,” BMW Team boss Shaun Muir said. “He has gone for further checks at Barcelona Hospital.

“He has been talking and is conscious which is a good sign so we will wait for further information, however this really casts a shadow over the whole day. We wish Tom a speedy recovery.”