Red flag after massive turn one accident.

The Catalan Grand Prix has been red flagged on lap one after a nasty turn one accident involving Sete Gibernau, Loris Capirossi, Marco Melandri, Randy de Puniet, Dani Pedrosa and John Hopkins.

The accident occurred when the two factory Ducatis of Gibernau and Capirossi tangled in the braking area; Gibernau appearing to slide towards his team-mate - before being sent flying over the handlebars and cartwheeling down the track when his front brake lever was hit.

World championship leader Capirossi then veered sideways into Melandri - with both also falling and, together with their bikes, slammed into the back of Dani Pedrosa and John Hopkins who were braking as normal ahead of them. de Puniet was taken out separately as he avoided Gibernau's riderless bike.

Melandri appears to have been knocked unconscious as he became trapped between his own machine and that of Pedrosa, as the mass of riders and bikes tumbled into the gravel trap. Melandri, who has won two races this season, was later carried away in a stretcher to a waiting ambulance while Capirossi and Gibernau were also taken to the medical centre. Initial reports suggest that all riders are fortunately 'ok'.

The race will restart at 14.30 local time with Gibernau and Capirossi - as well as Melandri - not taking part. Gibernau was initially expected to be the worst injured, given his spectacular fall, but the Spaniard had tucked his arms in as he was thrown down the track - and was amazingly able to walk away.