Reigning MotoGP world champion Casey Stoner was stretchered off the track after a crash on his Honda during qualifying on Saturday for the Indianapolis Grand Prix.

Stoner, last year’s winner at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, was being treated at the circuit’s medical center for suspected torn right ankle ligaments after doctors ruled out a fracture.

Stoner, who was thrown over his motorcycle’s handlebars and across the track, lies third in this season’s points chase behind Jorge Lorenzo and second-place Dani Pedrosa, both of Spain.

Two US riders were also involved in qualifying crashes.

Ben Spies’s bike skidded out and he landed heavily on his left side. Moments later, Nicky Hayden went flying when his machine spun and he appeared to come down upon his right arm.

Spies and Hayden have made it to the podium twice at Indianapolis. Spies won the pole in 2010 and took third a year ago. Hayden was runner-up in 2008 and third in 2009.

Speedway officials also confirmed that Hector Faubel escaped serious injury in an earlier crash in the Moto3 division.

Faubel, who complained of chest and back pain, was taken to a local hospital for further examination.

Pedrosa claimed pole position for Sunday’s race with a fastest qualifying lap of one minute, 38.813 seconds with Lorenzo second-fastest.

It’s unknown whether Stoner will be fit to take part in the race.