Yukio's Donington crash

Last weekend's third round of the World Superbike Championship got off to a disastrous start for Team Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra, with Japanese rider Yukio Kagayama just one of numerous victims of the poor and treacherous weather conditions at the British racetrack.

While negotiating the high-speed and fearsome Craner Curves, Yukio hit a small damp patch and suffered a heavy crash which left him lying unconscious for several minutes. Despite wanting to get back on the bike the following day, doctors prevented Yukio from taking part in the rest of the weekend's proceedings, leaving the fearless Japanese rider frustrated and disappointed.

The picture gallery attached to this article clearly shows the violence of the impact and makes one realise that Yukio could easily have suffered more than just a sore back after such a violent encounter with the Donington tarmac.

As he explained at the weekend, it was extremely frustrating to be at the track, feel OK but not race. But luckily for Team Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra, Yukio will be back at full strength in two weeks time at Valencia for the fourth round of the WSBK Championship. There he’ll be racing for the good results he desperately needs after an unlucky start to the season.

Alstare