Roberts torpedoes Tamada.

Makoto Tamada's best race of 2006 came to a sudden and dramatic end when he was torpedoed by Kenny Roberts Jr's rider-less bike during Sunday's German Grand Prix at the Sachsenring.

Tamada had made a lightening start from tenth on the grid to claim fourth into turn one and, after reaching a high of third, was still holding a close fifth on lap 11 of 30 - when second-on-the-grid Roberts tried to outbrake the Konica Minolta Honda rider into the final turn.

Unfortunately, the 2000 500cc World Champion misjudged the move, losing the front of his KR211V as he approached the apex - with his sliding machine then slamming into Tamada.

"When I crashed it was at the time I needed to make a move to stay with the leaders," explained Kenny. "But I got boxed in when I went under Tamada on the brakes. Nicky (Hayden) was on the outside and closing so I had to carry the brakes into the corner longer than I wanted to, I didn't want them to get away and I lost the front end. It was an aggressive kind of race today. I'm really sorry I collected Tamada, we spoke about it and he's OK with me about it."

Although desperately disappointed, Tamada at least avoided serious injury - and was able to find one part of the incident amusing...

"I really enjoyed that race - until the crash," said Makoto. "I had a good start, making up five positions and reaching the first corner in fourth. I had no problem riding at the leading group pace and I think overtaking Melandri and Rossi (who finished second and first) was possible.

"Kenny's error deprived me of a good result but I've been to the hospital for an X-ray and nothing is broken - my knee feels OK so I should be fine to race at Laguna Seca," he continued, adding: "When I was lying in the dirt Kenny asked me if it was a big problem or a small problem - speaking in not very good Japanese! I couldn't help laughing..."

Free practice for the US Grand Prix at Laguna Seca takes place on Friday.