Pedrosa suffers injury setback

Dani Pedrosa may have suffered a broken finger and fractured ankle as a result of his crash at the German GP.

The Repsol Honda rider was running away with the race in treacherous conditions at the Sachsenring, but despite already having a seven second lead over Casey Stoner, Pedrosa pushed just a little too hard and dropped the bike.

The Spaniard lost his lead in the world championship standings because of the crash, but it now appears that the effects of the crash may have an even greater effect on the rider's season.

Pedrosa was examined at the on-track medical clinic immediately after the crash, with the diagnosis showing a fractured finger on his left hand.

The 22-year-old will undergo further examinations upon his return to Barcelona.

The crash itself occurred while the TV cameras were riding with Pedrosa, and it initially appeared as if there may have been some form of mechanical failure on the bike, with the rider appearing to do little wrong.

"It was a little strange. I had only just touched the brake and I crashed. It was a real pity because I´d got a great start and was going well. I had a good feeling. The front felt perfect, the rear was sliding just a little, but the general feeling was good considering the track conditions. It is a real pity, "said Pedrosa.

Fractures of the hands or fingers vary in effect, as the location of the fracture and the intricacies of each rider's individual grip and riding style can determine how much of a setback an injury can be.

With the U.S. Grand Prix coming up this weekend, Pedrosa's participation may rest on the results of his further examinations and the extent of any other injuries.