The Queenslander misjudged a landing and came down in an awkward position causing him to immediately pull off the race track.
It was a shame for Mitch Evans who had challenged for the lead a couple of laps earlier and had qualified in third place in the timed practice. This form at the Arroyomolino circuit was a continuation of his recent results which had been improving ever since the restart, culminating with a joint season-best fifth at the MXGP of Europe in Mantova, Italy last weekend.
The Honda CRF450RW rider will now get further medical assessment in order to know the extent of the damage, which will then decide his plan for the rest of the season.
Mitch Evans had only just recovered from a shoulder injury sustained earlier in the year. He was running 11th in the MXGP championship when he crashed. Get well soon, Mitch!
