The 2015 World Supersport Championship saw a major twist in Jerez on Friday afternoon, as Jules Cluzel’s weekend was prematurely ended by a high-speed crash.

Cluzel (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) – involved in a three-way title fight with Kenan Sofuoglu (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) and P.J. Jacobsen (CORE’’ Motorsport Thailand) – was running ahead of team-mate Lorenzo Zanetti and Jacobsen when he crashed at Turn 5 in the closing stages of Free Practice 2.

Frenchman Cluzel was transported to Jerez Hospital, suffering from an open fracture of the left tibia and fracture to the left fibula, plus a dislocation of the right shoulder.

“I’m very sorry for Jules,” Sofuoglu commented at the end of the day. “Everybody has been pushing really hard. Jacobsen is now very strong on the Honda and Jules was also very strong today. I think we all had very similar pace.”

“I feel really bad for Jules,” Jacobsen added. “Motorcycle racing is a tough sport. Anything can happen and a lot of luck plays into it. He’s a great rider. It doesn’t really help me in the championship either, in terms of getting closer to Kenan; I needed Jules there to help beat him, as well as trying to beat Jules. The championship will be even more difficult now that Jules is out.”

Sofuoglu was also involved in an incident during the second session, running into the back of Kevin Wahr (SMS Racing) at the Jorge Lorenzo corner; both riders were able to remount their bikes and rejoin the session.

“When I tried for a long run, I crashed with Kevin Wahr,” the Turk explained. “I tried to pass him but, mid-corner, I saw him run wide; when he came back towards me I pushed the front brake and we crashed together.”

With three rounds remaining, Sofuoglu holds a 13-point lead over Cluzel and a 28-point advantage over Jacobsen. Following practice, Qualifying for this weekend’s World Supersport race will begin at 3:55pm local time (GMT +2) on Saturday.