Gresini calls for more Honda support

Toni Elias was battling with Randy de Puniet for fifth when his engine failed on lap 14 in Spain, while Marco Melandri struggled for speed all weekend and could only finish ninth - although he was ahead of works Honda rider and reigning world champion Nicky Hayden, who came home 11th.

"I think this has been one of the toughest races for our team," said Gresini.

"We're in a critical situation - we need Honda to react and give us a hand so that we can be compeitive again.

"The fact that Marco was the second Honda rider today shows that the riders and the team are giving absolutely everything to the cause."

Melandri said he was unhappy with his bike throughout the Barcelona weekend.

""We're going through a rough patch," he said. "The team are giving their best, working hard, but the results just aren't coming.

"The bike doesn't give me any confidence and I can't ride it how I want. I'm really disappointed.

"We've struggled with the front end all weekend and after a few laps I lost confidence in it - it was skipping around and it was really hard to ride.

"We'll have to make some drastic changes."

Elias was particularly frustrated to retire on home ground.

"I'm really disappointed because I was having a good race," he said.

"I got a good start and it looked like fifth place was a real possibility until the engine packed up on the 14th lap.

"These things happen in racing but I'm really disappointed because this was my home race in front of all my fans."