Gino Rea took the positives from the French Grand Prix on Sunday despite crashing to another Moto2 non-finish, writes Alannah Fellows.

The Epsom motorcycle racer was enjoying himself in the wet on his Federal Oil Gresini bike – with a new Suter chassis – having risen to third at one point from 23rd on the grid.

But, at the start of the seventh lap of the Le Mans circuit, Johann Zarco cut across the 23-year-old and the resulting touch caused Rea to crash out for the second consecutive race.

“It was a real shame to end the race like that,” said Rea.

“It was our first time in the wet with our new chassis and the team gave me a great bike.

“I was feeling good and wasn’t pushing that hard and had only had one moment in the final corner.

“I had already tipped into the fast turn one when Zarco just appeared on my inside, he hit my front wheel and took me out, ending my race there.

“We have to take the positives and move on – to go from 24th on the grid to third during the race was nice.

“We had the pace for a podium at least and it’s good to show that when we have the bike working well, we can run at the front of this fiercely competitive class.

“I hope we can continue development with the bike and get back up the sharp end next time out at Catalunya.”

Rea will be hoping for better at the Catalan GP in Barcelona on June 3.