Ramsey resident Cal Crutchlow slid out of the Grand Prix of Aragon in north-eastern Spain on Sunday, while involved in a comeback battle with Johann Zarco.

The LCR Honda man had made a decent start to proceedings, riding with the main group in the early laps before a moment under braking ran him wide at turn one.

He rejoined the race and was making up positions again, getting back to ninth place.

The Brit was unable to adjust his front brake lever because of the cast he is still wearing on the left index finger he injured recently and ultimately that cost him as he lost the front for a second time at turn 14.

Crutchlow said: ’I didn’t have a great feeling with my front brake lever, simply because I couldn’t adjust it with my finger.

’The front brake temperature was really hot at the end of the back straight because I was tucked in the slipstream, then when I got to turn one the lever was really far out and I couldn’t adjust it because the front straight isn’t long enough and I couldn’t take my hand off the handlebar.

’I made a mistake under braking because the lever was far away and as soon as I grabbed the brake I locked the front and ran wide, which was unfortunate.

’Then I got back on the track and recovered well, and I thought I might be able to come back across to the group. When I was riding alone I felt better.

’Then I made a mistake when I passed Johann into turn 14. I had to take evasive action because I had to pass him quite late - I hadn’t actually planned to make the move - then I lost the front. It was always the risk with the hard front tyre we chose.

’It’s a disappointing end, but not so bad a weekend overall. The positive to take from this is that we were competitive yet again.’

The series now moves to the Far East with the Motul Grand Prix of Japan over the weekend October 14.

rea can wrap up title

l Castletown resident Jonathan Rea can wrap up an unprecedented third World Superbike crown in succession at the weekend when the championship visits Magny-Cours in France.