Shaun Simpson has broken two bones in his back and a finger after a crash in his first comeback ride from injury yesterday. The former British champ was making his riding comeback after head and neck problems from a spill at the the third Grand Prix of the season in Latvia.

Simpson has broken two thoracic vertebrae as well as fracturing and displacing the little finger on his left hand. Doctors believe the back injury will heal without surgery but a procedure will be required for the finger.

“It’s tough to find the words at the moment,” he said . “It was my first proper outing to see if I felt OK on the bike and could consider returning to MXGP in Mantova when I just got caught and landed on my head. I actually felt the two bones in my back crunch and my hand and finger as well. I’m having surgery tomorrow and I have support for my back.

“My first thoughts are to get well and to leave the hospital but it is impossible not to think how frustrating this is for my racing and for the new project with the team. Right now, all I can do is thank my sponsors, my partners and all the fans and people that follow me. This is another delay but we’ve been here before and will come back.”