Moto3 World Championship points leader Albert Arenas crashed on the penultimate lap from fourth position after a race-long battle in the leading pack but manages to maintain a narrow edge in the standings.

Scot John McPhee and Japan’s Ai Ogura both take advantage of the turn three crash, after their podium positions cut further into the Spaniard’s lead reducing his control to just five points from Ogura and fourteen points on McPhee.

Starting from 13th on the grid the Pull&Bear Aspar Team rider meant business from lights out, forcing his way through the field to capture sixth on the first lap.

The Spaniard had remained in the leading group for the full race distance, with his sights set on the concluding battle when he was caught by a crash with less than two laps to go. A touch from Tony Arbolino led Arenas wide resulting in him losing the rear of his motorcycle in his attempt to return to the racing line.

Arenas holds 106 points heading into the eighth round of Moto2 competition next weekend, ahead of Ogura on 101 and McPhee on 92. Tatsuki Suzuki and Arbolino sit on 75 and 70 respectively.

“It was a very busy and hard-fought race. I couldn't finish, Arbolino touched me on the penultimate lap, I went long on the line and when I returned, I lost the rear wheel in a strange way. But hey, now it's over, nothing can be done.

“I am satisfied with the performance of the weekend and the first twenty laps of the race. Fortunately, in a few days we get back on the bike: it's the best thing that could happen to us.

“We remain leaders, but the important thing is the feelings and we have continued to fight for the victory. We learn a couple of things, next weekend we will be back stronger.”