Sachsenring MotoGP: Gearshift error caused Marc Marquez crash

The runaway championship leader was flung into the air and landed heavily on his neck in the accident just minutes into Friday morning practice for the German Grand Prix, as his Honda suddenly launched into a high-side as it accelerated through the flick between Turns 2 and 3.

Marquez admitted he had been baffled by the incident at first.

"The crash was a little strange, but when we looked at the telemetry later on we understood why it happened," he said.

"It's a long left turn in second gear on the throttle the whole time, and I accidentally touched the gearshift lever with the toe of my boot.

"This engaged another gear and as I was leant so far over - and had the gas open - the rear wheel slid out and I was thrown off."

The impact left Marquez crouched in the gravel for some time, and he was seen stretching gingerly in the Honda garage afterwards, but he confirmed that he had escaped injury, ending the day second overall after a trouble-free afternoon practice.

"Even though I crashed I was fortunate not to get injured, but the impact was hard," he said.

"The afternoon session was really good and I felt comfortable on the bike again."

Marquez's team-mate Dani Pedrosa also had a big accident, in his case a high-speed fall in practice two.

"During the two practices I had problems with the brakes, and it was precisely at a braking point that I pushed too hard and crashed," he said.