Gresini Honda's Alvaro Bautista has said his lap one, turn one crash, for which Valentino Rossi had branded him stupid, happened because he thought the front men were holding him up.

The Spanish former 125cc champion tried to pass Rossi on the brakes and ended up nearly skittling the nine-time world champion. The pair collided last time out at Mugello but this time Bautista conceded it would have been better to wait...

“It is such a shame. We have had a great weekend and this was the last thing we needed. After the start I felt like the guys in front of me were holding me up and in an effort to stay with the lead group I tried to get past them and I crashed. Maybe with a hard tyre on the front I could have been a bit more careful but I was worried about losing touch and I went for it," said Bautista.

"With hindsight it would have been better to wait but in racing these things happen. I feel sorry for the team because they have done a great job here and I want to apologise to all the guys, who are giving 100 per cent and deserve a different result. Now we just have to look forward to the next race and try to stay calm.”