Lorenzo hopes to race

The Spaniard was thrown off his Yamaha into a massive high-side with just three minutes of the grid-deciding session left and landed heavily on the asphalt, suffering acromial separation to his right clavicle and a contusion to his right foot.

Lorenzo had suffered another crash twenty minutes earlier at the same spot, Laguna Seca's Turn 10, but was able to run back to the pits and claim pole position before the heavier accident.

Although painful, the team says the damage to Lorenzo's shoulder area is not dangerous, so a decision on whether to take part in the race will only be taken on Sunday morning.

"I was trying to push but first I had some traffic and then the tyres were cold, and I wasn't in the right shape to try to improve my time," Lorenzo said.

"I'm disappointed for these two crashes but I am okay and I am optimistic that I will be able to ride tomorrow. Now the American doctors and the Clinica Mobile are working together to try to help me as best they can and make me more comfortable. Thanks to all the American people here for their support!"