Michael Laverty exits after early crash at Aragon MotoGP round

Toomebridge rider Michael Laverty lasted only one lap at the latest round of the MotoGP Championship in Spain as he crashed out.

After switching to the Paul Bird Team's ART bike from his regular Aprilia machine this week, Laverty had high hopes of an improved finish.

However, a coming together with Danilo Petucci early in the race meant a premature end for Laverty.

The Northern Irishman was able to walk away unscathed from the crash.

Laverty had opted to change bike for the Aragon race following the decision of his PBM team-mate Yonny Hernandez to switch to the Pramac Ducati team as a replacement for injured Ben Spies.

He previously used the bike in the Sepang MotoGP test at the start of the year before it was handed to Hernandez.

Spanish rookie Marc Marquez closed in on the MotoGP championship with his sixth race victory of the year.

The 20-year-old passed reigning world champion Jorge Lorenzo with 10 laps remaining to move 39 points ahead of his compatriot with just four races remaining.

Seven-time world champion Valentino Rossi held off pressure from Alvaro Bautista to take third.

Marquez's Honda teammate Dani Pedrosa crashed out to all but end his hopes of winning the championship.