Italian Andrea Iannone was involved in a frightening incident when a seagull smashed into his helmet during the early stages of the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix at Phillip Island yesterday.
Seagulls are a common hazard at Phillip Island, and this bird had no time to escape as race leader Iannone powered over the top of Lukey Heights on the second lap.
The collision left a large hole on the right side at the front of his Desmosedici GP15 but Iannone continued on before finishing the race in third place.
"The seagull waited for me for the kiss," Iannone said.
"It was difficult but it was better for him to fly up before I arrive because if he didn't it would keep him near the front tyre."
