COVENTRY’s Cal Crutchlow has described finishing the British Grand Prix as runner-up in front of his home fans as special as he continues to enjoy one of the best runs of form in his MotoGP career.
Just two weeks after having sealed a first grand prix victory in the Czech Republic, the 30-year-old gave his LCR Honda Team and the whole of Britain more cause to celebrate as he claimed a third podium finish of the season with second place Prix at Silverstone.
Starting the race from pole position after an impressive qualifying session, the 30-year-old did not get off to the best of starts as the event began under leaden skies.
However, it was not the weather but a crash which brought out the red flag on the opening lap and when the race was quickly restarted, Crutchlow took his second chance admirably, leading into turn one.
While eventual race winner Maverick Viñales got through and escaped at the front, Crutchlow was involved in an epic battle with Valentino Rossi and Honda colleague Marc Marquez, with positions swapping on every lap.
Andrea Iannone also joined in on the fun, but after fighting to get past the Brit, the Italian soon crashed out.
Lying second, Crutchlow had to rebuff more attacks from the former MotoGP World Champions, with Marquez at one point clipping the LCR Honda man at around 200mph, but it forced the Spaniard wide, and out of the shout for the podium.
Crutchlow eventually held on despite a late salvo from Rossi, to take a glorious second place in front of his adoring fans, and move him up to eighth place in the 2016 championship.
“It was great to be a part of that battle and really entertain the British crowd,” said Crutchlow. “I want to thank the LCR team and Honda for all the hard work they have put in in these recent weeks.
“It’s a really good result for the LCR Honda Team, they are one of the hardest working outfits in the whole paddock. We started the year with a few crashes, and problems with the bike, but it shows that all the hard work has paid off.
“In the race I felt I gave as good as I got, it was a good battle with Marc and Valentino and I also want to say congratulations to Maverick because he controlled the race and did a superb job. Four new winners in the last four MotoGP races is something unique.
“To stand on the podium in front of my home fans is pretty special and I’m really proud to do so. I feel in great shape at the moment and in good form and I hope that Misano can be another good race, although we know it will be difficult as it hasn’t been the best place for me or Honda in recent years. It won’t stop me trying and I will do so again next week.”
