Donington, 24 June: Honda LCR rider Carlos Checa did not finish the British Grand Prix at Donington Park today, crashing out of the race on lap five in wet and slippery conditions. Checa started from seventh on the grid after an impressive performance in yesterday’s qualifying on a dry track, but constant rain showers hit Donington on race day.

In wet conditions Checa did not have a positive feeling but was gaining confidence when he moved ahead of Marco Melandri on lap four. But on lap five Checa lost the front-end at Coppice Corner (Turn 8) while in 11th position. The race, watched by 84,000 spectators, was won by Casey Stoner.

CHECA: DNF - Championship: 15th/20 points

CHECA: “After four laps I had a better feeling and was able to pass Melandri and was hoping to improve my lap times and gain some confidence. But I lost the front at turn eight just as I was starting to push and I’m not sure why, maybe a little too much front brake. It’s a pity, in the dry I was competitive, but today it rained and I want to forget this race.”

The treacherous conditions also meant an early exit for Eugene Laverty in the 250cc Grand Prix, the Irish rider crashing out of 14th position at the Old Hairpin on lap four, a disappointing end after his impressive qualifying performance.

LAVERTY: “I lost the front, it just tucked from under me, the conditions were terrible. There was so much spray I was probably too careful and lost some positions from the start, and then I got forced wide by Locatelli. It was a silly crash that annoyed me as I was just getting comfortable in the wet conditions”.