Crash forces Pedrosa out of Qatar test

The Honda rider reported pain from his left knee and left hand after the accident during this evening's floodlit test at the Qatar Grand Prix track, although initial reports suggest that he has escaped without any broken bones.

Pedrosa had previously hurt both the knee and hand in accidents during the 2008 season. A violent crash while leading in the wet at the Sachsenring left him with a broken hand that badly affected his campaign, while he had required winter surgery on his knee following an accident at Phillip Island.

Discomfort from his knee had previously caused the Spaniard to pull out of the final day of last month's Sepang test. Pedrosa had already sat out the first day of the Losail test due to the poor weather conditions.

He will fly back from Qatar to Barcelona tomorrow for further medical checks to confirm the extent of his latest injuries.