An 80-year-old man is in hospital after being bashed during a suspected road-rage incident in Ballarat.

Two attackers punched the elderly driver several times in the face, moments after what police say was a "relatively minor" car collision.

The elderly driver was left bloodied on the road at the corner of Urquhart and Ripon streets in Ballarat while the offenders fled the scene on foot.

Highway patrol investigators say the victim is in hospital for injuries sustained in the attack on November 29. Police have now launched a plea for witnesses to come forward.

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Police were told the elderly man was driving north in a white 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan along Ripon Street shortly after 9pm. The car and a maroon Hyundai Lantra travelling on Urquhart Street, collided.

The two offenders then approached the Tiguan and bashed the driver, police said.

"Not only are we dealing with a collision, but also an alleged assault so we are really appealing to members of the public for their help," Senior Constable Ben Hay said.

Anybody with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers.