Britain’s 250GP star Eugene Laverty missed out on his first ever top 10 result at the Misano MotoGP round after a highside mid-way through the race put him out.
Laverty, who was sitting in 12th with the riders battling for tenth in sight, had just set his fastest lap of the race when he highsided off his Blusens Aprilia at the third corner.
“I really wasn’t expecting that," said Laverty. "I’d struggled with the fuel load during the first half of the race but I’d just started to feel comfortable when the rear let go exiting the first section. I’m so frustrated as 10th position was mine for the taking with 8th just a few seconds up ahead.
"My pace was very strong all weekend and I was confident of a good result having qualified in 17th position. But, this is racing and sometimes we hit the deck. On a positive note I’m now fighting regularly with the official bikes which looked almost impossible back in June.
"Indianapolis will be interesting as it’s a new circuit for everyone. With just five races remaining I’ll be gunning for a run of points scoring finishes to end the season strongly.”