An initial stateme꧋nt by race organisers read: “Rea received initial treatment at the track before be✤ing transported to hospital by helicopter.

“An update on the rider’s condition will follow when more information becomes avail✱able.”

The FCC TSR Honda rider was involved in an accide🎐nt during Free Practice 2 after crashing at the Triangle Chicane. It is known he was unconsci✤ous when airlifted to hospital, while subsequent multiple reports say he has head, chest and lung injuries.

The Kyodo News Agency reports Rea's Honda 'slammed into🌞 the wall' during the accident, adding 'spectators and race staff were not injured'.

Occurring just prior to the Top 10 Trial Shootout to decide♎ pole position, which Rea would have contested alongside team-mates Josh Hook and Mike di Meglio.

"This is the first time I have mixed feelings after the Suzuka 8 Hours qual𓆉ifying is over," FCC TSR France manager Masakazu Fujii saiꩲd later.

"We had to battle on ꧃after Gino had a big crash during free practice before Qualifying, was air-lifted to the hospital, and we had no way of knowing how he was. We’ℱre praying for him, and will do anything we can. Considering the circumstances, the team did a great job, and Josh getting us fourth on the grid was an amazing effort.

"I would like to let Gino k𝄹now as well. We’ll do 🎶our best [in the race]."

Rea's crash came at the same part of 𒆙the Suzuka Circuit where Dajiro Kato was killed during the 2003 Japanese MotoGP round. The accident led to Suzuka being dropped from the MotoGP schedule c🔯iting concerns over safety.