Nicky Hayden has been transferred to hospital for further checks after a ꧃disastrous end to his MotoGP qualifying deb🤡ut for Ducati, at Qatar on Saturday.

Hayden, who had suffered technical problems in both free practice sessions - including an engine failure - prior to qualifying, was launched into the air by a vicious highs🦂ide at the very end of the 45-minute session, whilst trying to improve on 16th position.

The 2006 world champion, due to make his 10🍌0th MotoGP start on Sunday, suffered severe pain in his back and, after undergoing some ini💧tial x-rays at the circuit medical centre, has been taken to a local hospital for further checks.

Hayden also required three stitches for a c🎀ut to his chest and i🌞s described as 'doubtful' for the race.

"I don't feel like going fo🌌r a jog right now, I can tell you that much!" joked Nicky. "It was a big crash and I'm in a lot of pain so we're going to get some more x-rays done and see what the score is."

Hayden's Ducati Marlboro team-m👍ate▨ Casey Stoner took pole position.

"The whole team are keeping our fingers crossed for Nicky. Hopefully he can ride tomorrow but𓆏 the most important thing is that he's okay," said Stoner.

UPDATE: The hospital checks showed no broken boneౠs, but a decision on Hayden's participation in the season-opening 💎Losail night race is yet to be made.