Lorenzo crashes out at turn one.

Jorge Lorenzo's 2009 MotoGP World Championship hopes look to be all but over after the Spaniard crashed out at the very first turn of the Australian Grand Prix.

Starting fourth on the grid, Lorenzo was passed on either side by Ducati riders Nicky Hayden and Mika Kallio on the approach to turn one, then clipped the back of Hayden and fell at high speed after failing to make the corner. Hayden was also pushed off track, but remained on two wheels.

Lorenzo had closed to within 18 points of Fiat Yamaha team-mate Valentino Rossi coming into the event. Rossi was immediately informed of Lorenzo's exit.

By the end of lap two Casey Stoner was leading the race from Rossi and Dani Pedrosa.

James Toseland has been given a jump start penalty.