Gresini: Simoncelli needs results now

Simoncelli has been extremely quick this season but is still to take his first podium in MotoGP. In today's British Grand Prix he was running third and fighting for second with Andrea Dovizioso when he crashed at half-distance.

Gresini refused to criticise Simoncelli, but said the team desperately needed to see its pace translated into firm results.

"We have to stay calm and composed because the objective we set ourselves today is within our reach," said Gresini.

"We can't afford to throw any more points away now and even though we all know we have a great rider in our team we need some results to give everybody a boost of morale and confidence."

Simoncelli said he was devastated by today's accident.

"I am completely distraught because it seems every week we line up ready for a top race and something happens to deny me," he said.

"I had already had a moment in that corner so I tried to be more careful but the front closed and I found myself on the floor waving goodbye to the podium once again. I am gutted!

"I'll go home with my head down now but tomorrow I have to start looking forward to Assen with the hope that this bad run is over."