MotoGP World Championship leader Pecco Bagnaia says he is targeting a return to the track in just a few days time after escaping serious injury in a spectacular first lap incident during the Catalunya MotoGP.

The defending champion lost the rear of his factory Ducati GP23 on the exit of Turn 2, flicking him into a high-side before coming down right in the path of the entire field coming through behind him.

Remarkably, he was only struck once on the legs by an unsighted Brad Binder, Bagnaia suffering contusions to his legs but no fractures.

- 2023 MotoGP World Championship Standings -

While he remains a doubt for the San Marino MotoGP - which kicks off with Practice on Friday - Bagnaia says it is his intention to get back on track as soon as that.

“It wasn't a normal highside and it's difficult for me now to explain what happened. It was a very strange crash and luckily, I wasn’t seriously hurt. 

“Already on the warm-up lap I realised that I didn't have much rear grip. Now we will do everything to try to get back on track already in next week's GP at Misano.”

Despite failing to score, the damage to Bagnaia’s sizeable MotoGP lead was relatively scant with Jorge Martin moving to 50 points shy of the Italian overall.