 Running second behind Marco Simoncelli on the penultimate lap who tried to defend his lead by changing his line on the straight, Barberá slipstreamed onto Simoncelli's back wheel and clipped it with his front brake lever.His bike somersaulted through the air, with Barberá escaping somewhat uninjured.However, a further crash in practice at Motegi left him with two spinal fractures, ending his season.