Video: Simon Andrews Valencia crash

BRITISH SUPERBIKE star Simon Andrews escaped serious injury when he was punted from his Kawasaki ZX-10R during Sunday's second World Superbike race at Valencia.

Andrews, who was standing in for injured Australian Chris Vermeulen at the Paul Bird Kawasaki WSB team, was knocked from his machine halfway along Valencia's start/finish straight at approxiamately 140mph, suffering ankle and foot injuries in the process. After the incident Andrews said:

"It has been a great learning experience to ride for the Kawasaki Racing Team and to be part of the paddock. I enjoyed working with the guys for both the test and the race.

"We started the weekend with a few chassis issues but we were slowly turning that around and making steady progress. Race one was OK and in race two I got a good start and was finding a decent rhythm. When Tom went past me, I was hoping to stay with him and gain some places but the next thing I knew I was hit from behind on the straight and can't remember much after that.

"The team are saying I am lucky as from what I've been told it looked pretty bad on the TV but my left foot is a bit smashed up and pretty painful right now. I have broken the heel and top bone of my foot and have obviously a few bruises to contend with but overall I'm fine. I'd like to thank the team for the opportunity to ride and how disappointed I am in having to end the weekend this way."

It's unclear when Andrews will be fit to ride again in either British or World Superbike rounds.