IT PROVED to be another disappointing MotoGP for Cal Crutchlow after he finished 12th on home soil but the Coventry-born rider has promised to return better next year.
The 28-year-old was hoping to reignite his campaign at Silverstone on Sunday with the help of a strong home support.
Crutchlow had been left a miserable 16th in qualifying and his race prospects took a further dive when arthritis in his shoulder flared up on Saturday night.
But after starting in row five Crutchlow concluded the first lap in 14th position and managed to work his way up two places to finish 12th overall.
“I finished the race, but obviously the result is disappointing,” said Crutchlow.
“But I was pleasantly surprised with the lap times in the race. We were quite consistent and faster than most of practice.
“Last year I qualified on the front row – and I’d had my arse handed to me by my team-mate, so of course I wasn’t going to be too happy. But that’s racing.
“Then after warm-up I was struggling with the shoulder again, I believe due to the cold weather overnight, so things seemed to be getting worse and worse. But in the race I only had some pain in the last two laps.”
“I got a great reception. No doubt about that. Hopefully next year we can come back and give them something to really cheer about.
“Twelfth is not what I wanted but we got some information for the team and look forward to Misano. At least we’ve had some time riding there (in a private test).”
