Nic🍃ky Hayden has been transferred to hospital for further checks after a disastrous end to his MotoGP qualifying debut 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 launch♚ed into the air by a vicious highside at the very end of the 45-minute session, whilst trying to improve on 16th 🌞position.

The 2006 world champion, due to make his 100th MotoGP start on Sunday, suffered severe pain in his back and, after undergoing some initia༺l x-rays at the circuit medical centre, has been taken to a local hospital for further checks.

Hayden also re🐲quired three stitches for a cut to his chest and i🦋s described as 'doubtful' for the race.

"I don't feel like going for a jog right now, I can tell you that much!" joked N🍒icky. "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-mate Casey Stoner🐼 took pole position.

"The whole team are keeping our fingers crossed forꦉ Nicky. Hopefully he can ride tomorrow but the m🐟ost important thing is that he's okay," said Stoner.

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