Source: Supplied.

Nine-time world champion Valentino Rossi’s quest for a 10th crown took a major hit on Sunday at Assen when he crashed while leading a rain-hit MotoGP, eventually won by Aussie rising star Jack Miller.

Rossi was in the running for victory prior to the red flag on lap 14 and again showed race-winning pace while at the front of the field prior to his costly crash on lap three of the 12-lap restart.

“It’s a great shame considering our great level of speed and competitiveness this weekend with our bike at this track,” Rossi said. “We could have gotten some important points for the championship after a difficult weekend and we could have taken second place in the championship over Lorenzo, but unfortunately I made a mistake.

“In the second half I pushed too much while I already had a good advantage and on that lap I was trying to push to understand my level. In the second part of the race we started with a soft rear, which provides very good grip, but unfortunately I entered turn ten too fast.

“I think we had a good chance today, but with my mistake I threw away a lot of points. The distance, especially to Marquez, is quite big, but we need to continue working hard like this and try to be competitive also next time.”

Rossi remains third in the world championship standings, now 42 points in arrears of Repsol Honda’s Marc Marquez and 18 behind Movistar Yamaha teammate Jorge Lorenzo after missing a potential 25 points on Sunday.