Crash means Crutchlow leaves Brno empty handed

Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team's Cal Crutchlow Czech Republic MotoGP race didn’t live up to expectations after he fell out of top six contention in cool and cloudy conditions at the Brno track.

Confident he could battle for a fifth podium of 2013 after a memorable qualifying performance put Crutchlow in pole position for the second time in his MotoGP career, the 27-year-old was locked in an exciting battle with Valentino Rossi and Alvaro Bautista in the early laps.

The three-way fight was a repeat of a similar exciting tussle one week ago at the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway and a determined Crutchlow led the way until he tumbled out of fourth position on lap eight.

The British rider was able to rejoin the 22-lap race and demonstrating the never-give-up attitude that has become his trademark in MotoGP, he fought through from the back of the field to take 17th at the chequered flag.

Today’s race might not have had the outcome Crutchlow had hoped for, but he has once again demonstrated his high potential in Brno and the Brit is now eagerly anticipating a return to form in front of his home fans at Silverstone next Sunday.

Cal Crutchlow 17th – 127 points : 

“Obviously I am disappointed after qualifying in pole position but I had to push really hard to try and get away from Bautista and Rossi. Lorenzo made an incredible start and his first lap was really strong and that put us all under pressure. I was happy with my pace and I felt comfortable but then I made a mistake. I was trying to get myself back in contention for the podium and I lost the front. I am sure I could have finished fourth but I got back on a damaged bike and set a fast and consistent pace and I never gave up. It is not the best preparation for my home race at Silverstone but I go there knowing I have the pace and that I can be challenging at the front. I am really excited for Silverstone and I know the support from the British fans will be incredible, so hopefully I can give them something to cheer about.”

Herve Poncharal – Team Manager :

“We are disappointed because Cal started the race with high expectations after he had performed so well all weekend. I think fourth position was Cal’s potential today and I am certainly not going to blame him for crashing because he was pushing hard to try and recover the gap to the top three. I think he was much faster than Valentino and Alvaro but he got back on the bike and pushed right to the end and that typifies his fighting spirit. The good news from today was that he was not injured, so we can head to Silverstone with confidence high that he can produce a strong showing in front of the British fans. I know he is really pumped up for Silverstone and I have no doubt we will experience a better outcome than today.”