Moto3: Cortese apologises for conduct

Moto3 World Championship leader Sandro Cortese has apologised for his behaviour after Sunday's Japanese Grand Prix.

The German suddenly found himself on target to wrap-up the world title after nearest rival Luis Salom clashed with Jonas Folger at the first turn of the final lap, with third in the championship Maverick Vinales also out of a podium position.

But Cortese himself fell after being out-braked by both team-mate Danny Kent and Alessandro Tonucci at the end of the back straight, with just a few corners to go.

Cortese - whose accident was caused when he tried to repass Tonucci on the exit of the turn - remounted to salvage sixth, while pole sitter Kent took his first ever grand prix win from Vinales.

Cortese waved his fist furiously at a puzzled Kent on the slowdown lap, before another tantrum on his return to the Ajo pits.

Having cooled down, Cortese - who still ended up extending his title lead from 51 to 56 points, now over Vinales - posted the following apology on Twitter (@Sandrissimo11):

"I'm really sorry about my behaviour today. I just overreacted. I saw I could win the title already and was just disappointed about what happened!

"Hope some people [will] understand a little bit how I felt, you work your whole life for that moment and in the other second you lose it.

"I'm really happy that i could finish the race and increase the championship lead!!

"And of course congratulations to @DannyKent52 for his first victory!!"

Cortese will be crowned champion, with two rounds still to go, if he leaves next Sunday's Malaysian Grand Prix with an advantage of at least 51 points.