Motorcyclist Regis Laconi was seriously injured in an accident on the Kyalami race track on Friday and will undergo neurological surgery, the World Superbike press office said.

Spokesperson Julian Thomas said in a statement that Laconi crashed in the section between turn eleven and turn twelve (at the bottom of "the mine shaft" as the left-hander is known in South Africa) during the first lap of the free practice session on Friday.

"Unfortunately for the French rider, despite not hitting any obstacles, he suffered severe trauma to the cervical vertebrae," Thomas said.

Laconi (33), was transported to the Sunninghill hospital by helicopter.

"Laconi is reported as being on the danger list. The serious injuries suffered mean that an operation will be required, which will be carried out by a neurological specialist, in the next few hours," Thomas said.

The statement was sent around 5.30pm on Friday.