After a superb qualifying performance Honda LCR rider Carlos Checa failed to finish a wet French Grand Prix in dismal conditions at Le Mans today. After a flying start from the front row which put him third on lap one, Checa crashed on lap seven when he was squeezed for room on a slippery track.

Light rain began to fall almost from the start, but Checa was comfortable with his set-up in the difficult conditions. As further rain fell, Checa dropped to seventh and was then forced to avoid a collision with Valentino Rossi and Alex Barros and lost the front end. The race was won by Chris Vermeulen.

CHECA: DNF - Championship: 13th/20 points

CHECA: “It was a difficult day, and not easy in these conditions. I was comfortable early in the race and going into the chicane with a group of riders and I saw Valentino on the outside and then Barros cut the gas early. I tried to avoid them by going inside but I arrived a little bit fast, and I was not able to stop the bike and turn and lost the front. It is a shame, we had a very competitive package today.”

Irish rookie Eugene Laverty finished fifteenth and in the championship points in the 250cc Grand Prix. With six laps to go Laverty had charged in 13th position before slipping back in a tight battle with Taro Sekiguichi and Alex Baldolini.

LAVERTY: “I scored one point but I’m disappointed with my performance, I thought could have challenged Fabrizio Lai for twelfth. The track was much colder today and I didn’t have the same front feeling as practice, plus the bikes in my group were faster on the straight.”