Eugene Laverty has seven championship points to his name

Toomebridge's Eugene Laverty failed to finish Sunday's British 250cc Grand Prix at Donington.

The Blusens Aprilia rider ran off the track with nine laps to the finish after problems with the bike's steering damper.

"I gave it my all and for something silly like a loose steering damper to end my race is heartbreaking," he said.

Championship leader Mika Kallio of Finland won with Marco Simoncelli second and Alvaro Bautista in third.

Laverty was hopeful of gaining his best result of the season and his family and friends had travelled to Donington.

"I entered McLean's and felt a problem with the front but when I entered Coppice the front just bounced across the tarmac and I was forced to run off the track.

"Just as in Barcelona I was riding at a level above that of the riders around me but because of my lack of horsepower I was being annihilated in a straight line.

"I'm having to contend with former world champions riding factory machinery so it's no easy task.

"We've got our chassis working well but I need more power. Assen is just a few days away so I must keep my chin up and keep fighting."