Source: Supplied.

All was going well in his Team Suzuki Ecstar debut for Andrea Iannone before crashing out of a podium position, making for a frustrating end to what had been an encouraging first appearance on the GSX-RR.

Starting out of second on the grid, 27-year-old Iannone exited the race on lap 11 while in third place, dashing his hopes of a memorable maiden showing as lead rider in Suzuki’s factory grand prix program.

“I’m very sorry for the crash, because I wasted a positive race,” Iannone said. “After the test, we continued improving, even here at the weekend. My feeling is not yet at 100 percent, but we have room for improvement, which is a positive thing. The truth is that I made a mistake – I hit another rider, which caused my crash. It’s a shame because I could be even faster and I had a good chance.

“I have to blame myself for the mistake and may this be a lesson to myself for the future. Although I didn’t feel totally comfortable, I have to wait for a better situation to pass a slower rider and not to be so impulsive. I made a mistake and I really hope it is my first and last time, as Suzuki had worked really hard during winter for me. They are giving me a performing machine, they have trust in me and I really want to pay them back in the best way with better results.”

It was also a promising race for rookie Team Suzuki Ecstar teammate Alex Rins, the former Moto2 front-runner who from 18th on the grid pushed through the field to claim top-finishing rookie honours in ninth position.