PICS: Simoncelli highsides out of race lead at Jerez

Marco Simoncelli's hopes of a first MotoGP victory, and indeed podium, came crashing down when he suffered this highside (see below for full sequence) while leading Sunday's wet Spanish MotoGP at Jerez.

Simoncelli was already leading when Valentino Rossi and Casey Stoner collided just behind him on lap 8 of 27, handing him a near two-second lead over Jorge Lorenzo.

But that counted for nothing when the Italian became one of eight riders to crash during the Jerez race, after this accident at turn one on lap 12.

Simoncelli initially lost the front, saved it, then lost the rear.

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

"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 though 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."

Super Sic's exit handed home victory to Lorenzo.