Former WSBK standout Ben Bostrom struggled in his MotoGP debut at Laguna Seca.

Californian wild card Ben Bostrom failed to complete Laguna Seca’s Red Bull United States Grand Prix race in his MotoGP debut.

The American had struggled with the carbon brakes on the LCR Honda MotoGP Honda RC212V and ran long in the second turn at the end of the front straight.

The 37-year-old AMA Superbike rider continued for another lap before pitting, preferring to preserve the LCR Honda for another day.

“I took a good start and immediately felt very comfortable on the bike,” Bostrom explained. “I improved my lap time of one second from the practice so I was very optimistic to see that so early in the race.

“As I was riding so much faster I started to be uncomfortable in the first corner when I had to change down the gears and after few laps I made a mistake running off the track into the gravel. It took me three seconds to rejoin the race, but I wanted to continue but the next lap I had the same problem.

“So I have decided to enter the pits even if the bike was fantastic. Honestly I was thinking about my race and didn’t want to crash this bike. Once again I want to thank MJM, Lucio [Cecchinello] and all the guys here – it was an incredible experience for me!”

Bostrom is best known for his five-race winning streak during the 2001 Superbike World Championship on his way to third in the championship while riding for Ducati.