A mid-race crash by Parkalgar Honda's Laverty has effectively handed the World Supersport crown to Yamaha's Cal Crutchlow at Magny-Cours this afternoon.

The Irishman was battling with title rival Crutchlow and Kawasaki's Joan Lascorz and lost the front on the brakes going into Adelaide corner. He re-mounted to finish in 13th while Crutchlow crossed the line in second place. There is now a 19-point gap which means Laverty really needs to finish second at Portimao and Crutchlow not to finish in order for the Irishman to win the championship.
“That was not what we wanted from today. I had been cruising behind Cal and when I passed him I was leading the Championship on track. Overnight the team had made changes and improved the bike significantly so we knew we would be in with a chance," said Laverty.

"I wanted to put Lascorz between us but the fuel load had dropped and it caught me out. Usually I have a few warnings and put more weight on the front but this time I had none and down I went. I got back on but the right lower fairing was dragging through the corners and slowing me down on the straights.

"I am not hurt but I am disappointed, however, it is not over yet and now we will go to our home track at Portimao and we have got to win either-way - who knows what will happen. We still have a shot at the title and want to win at our home circuit in Portugal.”
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