Hayden delays race decision

The former world champion's dreadful first race weekend with Ducati took an even worse turn when he had a vicious high-side on the entry to Turn 8 at the end of qualifying, landing heavily on his back and sliding into the gravel.

The initial report from the Clinica Mobile declared that he was okay and could take part in the race, but he was subsequently sent to a local hospital for more x-rays.

Hayden remains in a great deal of back pain and has also required stitches to close a chest wound.

"I don't feel like going for a jog right now, I can tell you that much," he joked.

"It was a big crash and I'm in a lot of pain so we're going to get some more x-rays done and see what the score is."

Hayden had already suffered two mechanical failures earlier in the weekend and will start on the back row in 16th place if he is able to race.

His team-mate Casey Stoner, who took pole position, was relieved that Hayden escaped more serious injury.

"The whole team are keeping our fingers crossed for Nicky," said Stoner. "Hopefully he can ride tomorrow but the most important thing is that he's okay."