Andrea Dovizioso suffers dislocated thumb in Valencia Grand Prix qualifying crash

The Honda rider fell at Turn 4 on his final flying lap, leaving him only eighth on the grid.

"It was a strange session, complicated by the wind and the difficult track conditions," said Dovizioso.

"Towards the end of the session the conditions improved and I was fourth and not pushing because I didn't want to take too many risks, but then when the other riders began to improve their lap times I saw that I needed to push.

"Unfortunately at Turn 4 I lost the front and crashed. It was my mistake as the tyre was cold and Turn 4 is the first right turn.

"Thankfully I haven't broken anything, I dislocated my thumb and have heavy bruising. It is quite painful but I will have some treatment to reduce the pain."

Dovizioso goes into the race just four points ahead of team-mate Dani Pedrosa in their battle for third in the championship, and admitted that with his rival having qualified second, the crash was a costly blow.

"I didn't have the perfect qualifying for the race," Dovizioso conceded.

"We are fighting for third position in the championship and starting from the third row is not ideal, but I will rest tonight and tomorrow start over and super determined. The weather is uncertain but we will be prepared for every condition."