Valentino Rossi's bid for an eighth MotoGP title has been hit by a serious crash in Saturday practice for his home Italian Grand Prix at Mugello.
Rossi lost control of the rear end of his Yamaha at the left-hand element of the Biondetti esses, and he was launched into a spectacular high-side.
Rossi was in agony as he lay in the gravel trap, clutching his right ankle, which appeared to be bent at a worrying angle.
He has been taken to the medical centre for treatment and is now under sedation.