Elias apologises to Rossi

ByEurosport

Published 27/03/2006 at 09:35 GMT

Spain's Toni Elias has apologised to Valentino Rossi for a first corner incident that saw the five-time champion crash out of the Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday. Elias went on to finish fourth while Rossi managed to save two points in 14th despite a broken

"We knew this was going to be a difficult race but maybe not so difficult!" Rossi said after chatter problems left him ninth on the grid. "I saw Toni come up on the inside and he hit me; this is racing and these things happen. I have known Toni for many years and he is a good rider.

"He apologised to me after the race so I told him not to worry - only to remember to brake next time and if it is too late then to hit another bike instead of me!" he added.

2006 Spanish GP Yamaha Rossi

Image credit: Reuters

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Elias was clearly upset by the incident after he was seen to beg for mercy from Rossi immediately after the race. Rossi gave a shrug of the shoulders before giving the young Spaniard a tap on the back and riding back to his Yamaha garage.

"I feel sorry for Valentino, but it was a really close start and we all reached the end of the straight bunched together," Elias said. "I was right next to Shinya Nakano and when I tried to avoid him I clipped Valentino. I went to apologise to him after the race although these things do happen in racing."

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