MotoGP rider hit by seagull

An unfortunate seagull has become the first casualty of the Australian MotoGP after being collected by Italian rider Andrea Iannone on the second lap.

The seabird was standing at mid-way up Lukey Heights when the field, led by Iannone, charged over the crest of the hill.

Taking flight to escape the charging motorcycles, the seagull changed course at the last second and ran into the Italian's helmet at full pace.

The mid-race collision shook Iannone up enough for second-place rider, Spain's Jorge Lorenzo, to pass at the bottom of the hill and take control of the race.