Pramac Ducati’s Johann Zarco crashed out of a potential MotoGP podium at Portimao after downshifting too many gears.

The Frenchman, who subsequently lost his championship lead to compatriot Fabio Quartararo, changed into first instead of second which increase engine braking that overloaded the front Michelin.

“I am a bit disappointed for sure. It’s always easier to say it would be better to have a few points than a crash,” said Zarco, speaking at the track.

“I thought I did a little mistake when I crashed because I did a mistake on the shift down, but then I got also a little issue with the gearbox in that moment. That’s why I got not the right gear.

“I just got first gear instead of second. Then, while braking with a lot of lean, I got a bit more engine brake and also because the front tyre was not pretty nice on the right side, it didn’t support this and immediately I was down.”