THE world title hopes of Swindon Robins skipper Jason Doyle have been dashed by the injuries he sustained during Saturday's Torun Grand Prix in Poland, the Australian rider revealed today.

Doyle will miss the season-ending Australian Grand Prix on October 22 after suffering lung, elbow and shoulder injuries following a crash in heat three at the weekend.

It robs the Blunsdon skipper of his golden opportunity to clinch a first world title, with him lying only 11 points behind series leader Greg Hancock, of the USA, heading into the final round.

Doyle, who turns 31 on Thursday, confirmed today that he had shattered his right elbow and dislocated his left shoulder in the incident, while the Aussie ace has also sustained a punctured left lung as well as damaging his right lung.

He said: "I would like to let everyone know first hand from me that sadly I have to withdraw from the Melbourne GP.

"I have punctured my left lung and badly traumatised my right lung.

"My right elbow is also shattered and I dislocated my left shoulder. I am unable to fly due to my lungs and have to wait for surgery on my elbow once my lungs are healed.

"I would like to again thank everyone for their kind messages, I have got time to read them all. I will concentrate on my health and recovery to be ready for 2017.''

Doyle was the championship leader going into the event in Poland but suffered a similar fate in last year’s World Championship when a crash in Melbourne also cost him in his hunt for a world title.

The Swindon skipper has already secured his place in the 2017 Grand Prix line-up.

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