Italian Marco Simoncelli made an aggressive charge to the front, but crashed out before the midway point at Jerez.

Italian former 250cc Grand Prix World Champion Marco Simoncelli has admitted his frustration after crashing out of a sure victory at Jerez’s Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday.

Gresini Honda’s Simoncelli was the man on the move early in the proceedings, passing both second-placed Jorge Lorenzo and then Aussie Casey Stoner on lap six.

While the lanky Italian quickly established a 2.6 second lead and seemed destined for a maiden MotoGP victory, it all came crashing down – literally – on lap 12 when he high-sided on the exit of turn one.

“I am really disappointed, I knew after the first five laps that the tyres were struggling but I managed to hold my advantage over Lorenzo,” Simoncelli said.

“Unfortunately I lost the front in turn one and the rear came round on me – I tried to get it back under control but I couldn’t manage it. It happens in racing and even though I am disappointed, I am also happy to have shown again that I am a contender this year.

“The most frustrating thing about today was that I got no help at all from the marshals, unlike other riders today. The bike was okay and if I could have had some help I am sure I could have still had a good race.

“That is not good but as I said before I showed I can run with the best today and that’s the main thing we’ll take away with us. A major result is around the corner.”

Earlier in the round, Stoner had displayed his frustrations at the Spanish marshals after they neglected to help him get going following his crash with Valentino Rossi.