Neukirchner injured in Monza:	zurück
The fifth round of this year's Superbike World Championship at Monza will be one to forget for Team Suzuki Alstare Brux after a serious crash on the opening lap of the first race ended with Max Neukirchner breaking his right femur and suffering three broken bones in the lower leg and foot.

He was in the lead going into the chicane but was hit by another bike that had crashed a few metres or so behind. The impact forced him onto the grass and it was obvious straight away that he was in considerable pain. Brendan Roberts and his bike were also involved in the crash and both riders had to receive attention for some time trackside. The race was red-flagged almost at once and six bikes were taken on trucks back to the pits.

After a long delay, the race was restarted and team mate Yukio Kagayama rode fantastically to take a well-earned fourth place. In race two, he was given a ride-through penalty and was dead last when he rejoined the race after five laps. Despite some vibration from his bike, he kept going, only to finish out of the points in 17th place.

Michel Fabrizio (Ducati) won the first race, much to the delight of the home fans with team mate Noriyuki Haga second and Ryuichi Kiyonari third.

Yukio Kagayama - Race 1: 4th, Race 2: 17th:

"I made not so bad a start and was fourth after lap one and trying to stay with the top group. I was having problems with Biaggi, because although I could close in on him on the brakes, his bike would always accelerate better than mine out of the turns. After 12 laps or so, my tyre was nearly at the limit and the grip level was not good. I just kept pushing as hard as I could without taking any big risks and managed fourth place.

"In race two, I made a good start but my bike was vibrating a bit. Then I got a ride-through penalty and was last. It was difficult catching up again - especially as my bike was still vibrating - but I managed to overtake some riders and get 17th. I'm not so happy today because I thought my results would be a lot better. I cannot fault my mechanics because they have worked very well and we found a good feeling with the bike which makes me feel very positive for the next race. So thank you to my staff."

WSB Results:

Race 1: 1 Fabrizio (I-Ducati), 2 Haga (J-Ducati), 3 Kiyonari (J-Honda), 4 Kagayama (J-Suzuki Alstare Brux), 5 Rea (GB-Honda), 6 Sykes (GB-Yamaha). Max Neukirchner (D-Suzuki Alstare Brux) DNF.

Race 2: 1 Spies (USA-Yamaha), 2 Fabrizio, 3 Kiyonari, 4 Rea, 5 Biaggi (I-Aprilia), 6 Sykes. 17 Yukio Kagayama (J-Suzuki Alstare Brux). Max Neukirchner (D-Suzuki Alstare Brux) DNS.

World Championship Points: 1 Haga 200, 2 Spies 146, 3 Fabrizio 125, 4 Haslam 103, 5 Sykes 90, 6 Biaggi 81. 9 Max Neukirchner (D-Suzuki Alstare Brux) 75. 13 Yukio Kagayama (J-Suzuki Alstare Brux) 52.