Bautista: I was being held up

Gresini Honda's Alvaro Bautista felt he was being 'held up' as he attempted an unsuccessful pass on Valentino Rossi at Catalunya, tucking the front end and sliding into the gravel trap.

Bautista incurred the wrath of Rossi afterwards with the pair's collision at Mugello still fresh in the Yamaha star's mind and although Bautista conceded he maybe should have bided his time, he added: 'These things happen'.

"It is such a shame. We have had a great weekend and this was the last thing we needed," he said.

"After the start I felt like the guys in front of me were holding me up and in an effort to stay with the lead group I tried to get past them and I crashed.

"Maybe with a hard tyre on the front I could have been a bit more careful but I was worried about losing touch and I went for it.

"In hindsight it would have been better to wait but in racing these things happen."

Bautista apologised to his team after the incident and has vowed to remain calm ahead of the next race at Assen.

"I feel sorry for the team because they have done a great job here and I want to apologise to all the guys, who are giving 100% and deserve a different result," he said.

"Now we just have to look forward to the next race and try to stay calm."