Pramac Ducati’s Andrea Iannone has apologised to Dani Pedrosa for ending his Phillip Island MotoGP on lap six but said a gearbox problem caused the incident at Honda corner.

Iannone ran into the back of Pedrosa, damaging components and forcing his retirement. The tiny Spaniard launched a tirade at the Italian, saying his behaviour was unnaceptable and he had to learn to not make such mistakes (click here for story)

“It was a very difficult race for me. At the beginning I started well but Cal was slow and I touched him so on the second corner I was in 11th position,” said the Italian.

“After two or three laps I started to go faster, the group stayed in front of me, I pushed a little bit more at turn four but when I touched the brake I past Stefan and the gearbox didn’t go up and I didn’t get first gear, so I touched Dani.

“I’m not happy about this but that’s racing. This is the situation so I need to look forward. I’m sorry I didn’t finish the race and I’m also sorry for stopping Pedrosa’s race.”

Iannone has yet to be given a talking to by race direction as after the incident, he went to the medical centre and then left the track.