Battered Burns withdraws from German GP.

23-year-old Chris Burns has withdrawn from the German Grand Prix after his broken collarbone proved too painful.

The injury occurred when Burns crashed his 500cc WCM Yamaha in the British Grand Prix two weeks ago. He tested the collarbone in morning practice but decided to call it a day after consultation with the team.

"When I went out in practice this morning there was some pain in my collar bone but I really wanted to continue on," he admitted. "After some discussions with Peter (Clifford - team manger), we felt it was best for me not to ride for the remainder of the weekend, and give my injury a chance to heal properly.

"Of course after the qualifying session this afternoon, all I can think about is how much I want to be out there especially since the two-stroke has some chance at this track," he sighed, after watching team-mate David de Gea qualify quicker than two four-strokes, and within 2.5secs of Rossi's provisional pole.

"I've had laser treatment every day since the crash and more intensive treatment twice a day at the track with Dr. Costa, so I thought my injury would be repaired by now. I know for sure it's the right thing to do; to stand down this weekend and I will be well fit for Brno (on Auguest 17)," he concluded.

"Chris was keen to ride this afternoon but it was obvious this morning that the broken collarbone he sustained at Donington made that virtually impossible," stated Clifford. "We need him to be fit for the rest of the season and it made no sense for him to compromise that by continuing here so I suggested he stood down."