Jeremy McWilliams crashed during Friday's qualifying

However, the Northern Ireland veteran was adamant the injury would not stop him from pushing his Aprilia to the limit in the factory's home race.

McWilliams qualified in 18th place despite only completing 16 laps on board his three-cylinder Cube.

"I was really happy with the way things were going before the crash," he said.

McWilliams had just fully recovered from two broken ribs sustained during winter tests in Malaysia but said the latest injury would not hold him back.

"I have cracked a rib but that will not stop me trying 100 per cent because I know how important this race is for Aprilia," said McWilliams.

"The bike felt really good but I was trying a different front tyre which did not have many laps on it.

"I was running around 14th and 15th and would have been really happy to have stayed there."