pic by http://www.mirror.co.uk/
The encounter happened on lap two of today's Grand Prix at Phillip Island, as race leader Andrea Iannone took a corner.
The bird had been sat in the middle of the track, but as the bikes approached it tried to fly away.
Instead it flew straight into the Italian's path, with the 30-year-old Ducati rider appearing to try and duck out of the way.
Unfortunately for the gull, Iannone smacks the bird full on with his helmet, sending it sprawling back to the ground.
It is not known what became of the bird but judging by the footage it did not look good.
Footage after the race appeared to show damage to Iannone's bike from where the seagull struck.
Iannone, who went on to finish third, talked about the incident after the race.
“The seagull wait on me for the kiss, but I told him wait on me before the race, not the second lap," he joked.
“It is difficult but it is better him fly before I arrive because I would clip him with the front tyre and for sure I would go down.”
The race was won by reigning Moto GP world champion Marc Marquez, who overtook Jorge Lorenzo on the last lap of a pulsating contest.
Video :
Andrea Iannone's seagull strike
Andrea Iannone's seagull strike
Andrea Iannone's seagull strike
Andrea Iannone's seagull strike
Andrea Iannone's seagull strike
Andrea Iannone's seagull strike
seagull strike MotoGP Australian Grand Prix
seagull strike MotoGP Australian Grand Prix
seagull strike MotoGP Australian Grand Prix
seagull strike MotoGP Australian Grand Prix
seagull strike MotoGP Australian Grand Prix
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