Jonathan Rea had led the race at Magny-Cours

Jonathan Rea's hopes of becoming World Supersport champion ended when he finished 10th in Sunday's penultimate round of the series at Magny-Cours.

Rea got off to a good start and led the race for a period but crashed out just before half-distance after being clipped from behind by Robin Harms.

The Ballyclare rider remounted and picked up some points but Andrew Pitt won the race and was crowned champion.

Rea lies second in the series, seven points ahead of Josh Brookes.

The final round of the championship will be staged in Portugal in four weeks' time but Australian Pitt has an unassailable lead of 30 points over his HannSpree Ten Kate Honda team-mate Rea who will move to the World Superbike series next year.

After Sunday's race Rea said he believed he could have run at whatever pace he wanted.

"I just found it difficult to pass Andrew down the straights and I doubt I would have broken away.

"I'll put what happened down as a racing incident and I'm not one to bear a grudge - it's just a shame that I won't be able to battle for the title in Portugal.

"But congratulations to Andrew who has been on it all season.

"He's a worthy champion and I'm really happy for him and the whole team."