Crash leaves Pedrosa with knee contusion

Dani Pedrosa crashed out on the opening lap of the Australian Grand Prix, having taken the holeshot, and suffered a contusion to his left knee in the fall. The Spaniard now admits that second place would be a tall order in the overall standings.

Dani Pedrosa - DNF

`I got a good start and was entering the second corner in third position when the rear tyre started sliding. I tried to correct the bike but I ran off the track. On the grass I tried to correct the bike again but I crashed. I hurt my left knee in the fall. Fortunately I've not broken any bones or damaged any ligaments, but I´ve got a lot of pain and the knee is swollen. I am very disappointed because we knew we had a good race pace and I was very confident that I could score another podium, just like at Motegi last weekend. It was another bad race. I made a mistake and I am sorry for the team, they worked hard throughout the weekend. Tonight I will fly back to Spain and rest the injury while looking forward to the Malaysia GP. Now it's looking difficult for second place in the championship, there are only two races left.´