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Two motor-racing stars were evacuated to hospital via helicopters following a horrific crash this morning in Malaysia.
World champion rider Jose Antonio Rueda and Noah Dettwiler were embroiled in the brutal accident during a sighting lap ahead of the Malaysian Grand Prix.
The incident occurred as Rueda, just 19, whizzed round the track's third corner. He found Dettwiler travelling at a very low speed, likely due to a problem with his vehicle, and smashed straight into the back of him.
A shocking video of the crash shows the two riders fly off their bikes after the Spanish world champion desperately tries to avoid a collision at the last moment.
CIP Green rider Dettwiler was worryingly left lying motionless in the middle of the track, sparking huge concern.
Moto GP rushed to provide the pair with medical care, with an ambulance treating the Swiss rider on the track.
💔 El accidente de Jose Antonio Rueda con Noah Dettwiler.
No entiendo cómo después de algo así se puede llegar a correr una carrera.
Desde aquí solamente quiero mandar mi mas sincero cariño la familia de los dos pilotos, espero que salga todo bien.🤞🏽pic.twitter.com/iNe3oCmi3g
World champion rider Jose Antonio Rueda was airlifted to hospital along with Noah Dettwiler after a horrific crash in Malaysia this morning
While Rueda is 'awake and alert', the condition of Swiss rider Noah Dettwiler remains unknown
When a helicopter arrived around half-an-hour later, the pair were both conscious as they were airlifted to hospital, according to Motorsport.
It was later revealed that Rueda luckily escaped the crash with just a suspended hand fracture. The 19-year-old is in hospital 'awake and alert', a statement released by MotoGP said.
'Moto3 rider #99 Rueda is awake and alert with a suspected hand fracture and a number of contrusions (bruises),' the statement read.
While an update provided by Rueda's team added: 'Following the collision between José Antonio Rueda and Noah Dettwiler at the exit of turn 3 during the Moto3 sighting lap, the Red Bull KTM Ajo rider has suffered a fracture to his hand. Rueda is currently awake and conscious in the hospital.
'It was determined that Rueda did not suffer serious injuries to his head or torso, although he did suffer a severe concussion from the impact. He remains under observation, awaiting further tests on his hand and arm.'
An update on the health of Dettwiler is yet to be provided.
The crash meant that some this morning's races in Malaysia were delayed.
While the 7am MotoGP contest went ahead as planned, the Moto3 and Moto2 races were pushed back.
Alex Marquez went on to clinch his first victory outside of Spain this year in the absence of Rueda and Dettwiler.
Speaking to reporters after his win, the 29-year-old said: 'My prayers and thoughts are with the Moto3 guys. Still in my stomach I have some stressed feeling, so just keep fingers crossed for them.'
