Irish 250cc Grand Prix rider Eugene Laverty crashed out of a solid 12th position shortly after mid-distance at the San Marino MotoGP at Misano.
Having just set his fastest lap of the race, Laverty was aiming for a top ten finish but just overstepped the mark and went off at turn three.
It was a devastating blow for Laverty who looked set for his best result in Grand Prix.
Laverty: 'I really wasn't expecting that. 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 tenth position was mine for the taking with eight 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.'
Next weekend will see Laverty switch to four-stroke machinery with Yamaha for the Donington Park round of the World Supersport Championship.
