Australian MotoGP 2015: Seagull strike sparks social media tributes

SOCIAL media has gone into a high gear after the unfortunate death of a seagull seen by motorsport enthusiasts around the world.

MotoGP seagull: ‘Leave your chips out’

SOCIAL media has gone into a high gear after the unfortunate death of a seagull seen by motorsport enthusiasts around the world.

Two laps into the hotly contested Australian MotoGP the gull was collected by Italian motorcycle champion Andrea Iannone.

There’s no guesses needed as to who came out of the collision second best.

RACE DRAMA: Bird nearly takes out rider in MotoGP

A seagull is moments away from colliding with Ducati rider Andrea Iannone. Picture: AFP.

The seagull walks into the path of Andrea Iannone of Italy and the riders on the opening lap of the MotoGP. Picture: Getty Images.

Andrea Iannone is forced out of his seat after the seagull hit. Picture: AFP.

The riders race through feathers and the dead seagull. Picture: AFP.

But less than 24 hours later, the gull’s passing has been recognised with its own Facebook page.

Some suggested the seagull should be dubbed “Doug”, but another tribute page has given him the name “Gavin”.

On the MotoGP Dead Seagull Tribute page today, one wag posted:

“Due to the overwhelming response to this page, and the sincere outpouring of emotion, we have decided to start the ‘LEAVE YOUR CHIPS OUT FOR GAVIN’ campaign.

“Please share this image, and more importantly leave some chips out and pay tribute to the amazing MotoGP seagull that was Gavin. Thank you.”

The page has already generated more than 2000 likes.

Gavin won’t be forgotten. Well, briefly, anyway.

It’s unclear how any of the mourners knew he was a he, but perhaps it’s a reflection of the overwhelmingly male following of motorcycle racing.

Iannone was incidentally almost brought down by the bird, ducking as the gull slammed into his bike at high speed and leaving a big dent, even as he grappled with his machine at full throttle on a straight stretch.

Iannone was less sympathetic than others concerned about the gull’s fate.

“The seagull waited for the kiss,” said Iannone after the race in which he finished on the podium in third place.

“It was difficult but it was better for him to fly up before I arrive because if he didn’t it would keep him near the front tyre.”

Riders behind Iannone flew through a stream of feathers.

Iannone eventually claimed a third place on the podium.

Seagull are a common sight on the circuit and have previously been involved in incidents, including two years ago, when Spaniard Jorge Lorenzo was hit during practice.

The name of the bird is not known.

Originally published as Australian MotoGP 2015: Seagull strike sparks social media tributes