There was disappointment for Eugene Laverty in San Marino

Toomebridge rider Eugene Laverty failed to finish Sunday's 250cc grand prix in San Marino.

The 22-year-old, who was competing on a Blusens Aprilia machine, crashed out while in 12th place on lap 12.

Laverty stays 20th on eight points in the championship with Italy's Marco Simoncelli topping the standings.

Spain's Alvaro Bautista claimed his third victory of the year with Yuki Takahashi of Japan second and Spanish rider Hector Barbera in third.

Laverty was disappointed by his exit which came just after he had produced his fastest lap of the race.

"I really wasn't expecting that. I'd struggled with the fuel load during the first half of the race but I'd just started to feel comfortable when the rear let go exiting the first section," said Laverty.

"I'm so frustrated as 10th position was mine for the taking with eighth just a few seconds up ahead.

"My pace was very strong all weekend and I was confident of a good result having qualified in 17th position.

"But, this is racing and sometimes we hit the deck. On a positive note I'm now fighting regularly with the official bikes which looked almost impossible back in June."

Laverty will switch to four-stroke machinery with Yamaha next weekend for the Donington Park round of the World Supersport Championship.