Alex de Angelis is now in a critical condition in hospital in Japan after a further scan on Sunday found an intracranial bleed following his heavy crash in MotoGP practice at Motegi.

The Ioda rider was initially diagnosed with a lung contusion plus multiple fractures to ribs and vertebrae after he was airlifted to Dokkyo Hospital on Saturday. That examination suggested his head injury was confined to conussion, but MotoGP medical director Dr. Michele Macchiagodena said subsequent checks revealed further complications.

“Alex underwent a head CT scan on Saturday which gave negative results – however, further checks today with the MRI demonstrated that he suffered intracranial bleeding,” he said.  “His condition is critical and he needs to be monitored closely.

“He’s currently sedated, his vital signs are stable but we need to keep an eye on the bleeding to evaluate, within the next 24/48 hours, if further intervention is required.”

De Angelis is due to undergo a further neurological examination later on Sunday.

Although no footage of De Angelis’s crash has been broadcast, he appeared to lose control of his Aprilia on the exit of Turn 9 and make violent contact with the metal barrier on the other side of the circuit.

Dr. Michele Zasa from MotoGP’s mobile clinic and Ioda team owner Giampiero Sacchi will remain with de Angelis in the Japanese hospital. His family is also being transported to Japan.