As the Spaniard released the clutch, his RC212V reared straight up onto its back wheel - presumably due to a launch control failure - and was almost vertical before Pedrosa, with feet off the pegs, lost control and fell to his left.

Fortunately, only Pedrosa's pride was damaged in the incident and he will be fit to fight for his second win of the season in this afternoon's Australian Grand Prix.

Newly crowned world champion Casey Stoner was fastest of all during the warm-up, the Australian lapping a worrying 0.475secs clear of fellow front row starter Valentino Rossi. Pedrosa was sixth.