Carlos Checa had a lucky escape at Phillip Island in Race One after out-breaking himself and clipping the back of Marco Melandri's bike on his way into the gravel.
Melandri also came off as Checa's Panigale slid into the rear of his BMW S1000RR HP4.
Checa slid into the gravel like a rag doll after being knocked unconcious. Luckily he suffered no further injuries.
Clearly, despite having the pace to set Superpole, this isn't the season start Checa wanted.
A determined Melandri put this episode behind him for race two.
