Hawkins's injuries are not as extensive as first thought (Picture courtesy of Hywell Lloyd)

The 24-year-old is being treated in hospital for his injuries and has been joined by his parents.

His father Kevin said: "It looks as if he has only broken one ankle and wrist and not both as first feared.

"The hospital have successfully pinned his arm, but it could be three weeks before we can repatriate him."

Hawkins underwent a successful operation to pin his thigh bone last week but has since discovered he also broke a rib in the crash which had been impeding his breathing.

His father added : "Since the operation to pin the arm, Ritchie has been in good spirits, the best since he has been in hospital."

The pair of them have gone out of their way to ensure that everything that needed to be done has been done Ritchie Hawkins's father Kevin on his team mates Simon Walker and Stephan Katt

And he offered his thanks to his son's team-mates Simon Walker and Stephan Katt who were in the same race when Hawkins crashed.

"The pair of them have gone out of their way to ensure that everything that needed to be done has been done in the immediate aftermath of the crash, right down to getting Ritchie's insurance sorted out.

"This just goes to show the sort of team spirit the guys have at Somerset and just how seriously Simon takes his responsibilities as captain of the team.

"Ann and I are indebted to the pair of them for everything they have done and we cannot thank them enough."