MotoGP Qatar - 'First five laps' crucial for Crutchlow

Monster Yamaha's Cal Crutchlow says the first five laps of every race in this year's MotoGP calendar are crucial if he is to match or better this tally of podiums from last season.

The Isle of Man resident freely admits that podiums will be harder to come by in 2013 with the return of Valentino Rossi to a functioning bike and Marc Marquez setting everyone's hair on fire but he says the aim is to get back on to the rostrum.

"I feel I know the areas where I need to improve and that's in the first five laps. Normally, from half race distance last year, no matter where I was on the track, I was running the same pace as the guys at the front," said Crutchlow, speaking at Losail.

"It's the first five laps, and especially the first lap. With these guys riding 100 per cent, you have to ride 120 per cent to gain a tenth and if you lose a second or two on the first lap, you're never going to make it back up.

"I think we have to be realistic about our goals because of the machinery we are on as well. I aim to start the season strong but whether position-wise that is winning or finishing fifth, I don't know."

By David Miller

Image by Bonnie Lane