Jonathan Rea’s World Superbike career has ended a race earlier than planned after he crashed out of the Superpole race at Jerez.

The six-time champion had planned to retire after the final event of the season in Spain.

However, an injury sustained in the Superpole sprint race on Sunday morning has ruled him out of taking the start of his final race.

It is a sad end to the racing career of the most decorated World Superbike rider of all time.

A statement from his Yamaha team said the 38-year-old has sustained a “right knee sprain and contusion with functional impairment” and was ruled out of his final race.

More to follow.