Six-time WorldSBK champion Jonathan Rea apologised for compromising Alvaro Bautista and Xavi Vierge in Most Race 2.
Starting 14th on the grid, the Pata Maxus Yamaha rider made a strong getaway, but the cramped Turn 1 triggered a collision with Bautista and Vierge.
The domino effect continued as Bimota rider Alex Lowes was forced off track and into the gravel, but he managed to continue.
The Northern Irishman deemed the Lap 1 melee as a “racing accident,” but was later handed a double-long-lap penalty by race control.
“For me, it was a racing accident, we both committed to the same piece of tarmac and of course, there was impact and I was the culprit,” Rea admitted to WorldSBK.
“It ended his [Alvaro Bautista] race, and I’m sorry for that. I went to see Alvaro directly after the race, and also Xavi Vierge, who came off worse physically and offered my apologies.
“For me, it’s racing, it’s really unfortunate and I’m gutted for guys who were compromised, and also Alex Lowes as well had to take avoiding action.”
Rea proposed a modification to the Turn 1 approach to reduce the risk of first-lap accidents.
“This is Most, so for some suggestions, maybe starting closer to Turn 1 could be an idea for the future, because almost all races this weekend have some sort of drama at Turn 1.
Jonathan Rea: ‘If we look at the big picture…’
Despite the opening-lap incident, the 38-year-old took plenty of positives from his second race weekend back after his pre-season injury.
Rea completed the race weekend with two 10th places in addition to finishing 13th in the final race, acquiring his first points of the season.
“Unfortunately, in the long race it didn’t work out. But honestly, if we look at the big picture, where I’ve come from in Cremona, coming back from injury, to making a step forward with the feeling physically, making a step in that direction.”
“You have to look at my team-mate [Andrea Locatelli] across the way. He won incredibly in Assen two races ago, in Cremona, he was much more competitive than I was, but here in Most, he’s just in front.
“That gives me some confidence I’m closing the gap in the right way, we are taking steps forward, and we look to take another step in Misano.”
