CAL Crutchlow saw his hopes of challenging for victory at the British Grand Prix snatched away after a hugely encouraging opening to Sunday’s race at Silverstone.
Having qualified eighth on the grid, the LCR Honda rider got away well in damp conditions and had effortlessly moved up into the podium positions by lap three.
However, finally poised to make a bid for success on a track that has never previously proved a happy hunting ground, the 29-year-old Coventry-born rider was taken out by charging team-mate Jack Miller who was late on the brakes going into a corner.
And having crashed out, Crutchlow subsequently attempted to re-join but was forced to admit defeat shortly afterwards, meaning a frustrating end to his weekend.
“Obviously I’m really disappointed, we could have done a great race and I thought I had the pace to be with the winner,” said Crutchlow.
“I felt really comfortable in the rain and I felt really comfortable in the race, but these things happen.
“Jack is young, he was near to the front in a MotoGP race and made an ambitious move. He made a mistake, he apologised and I have accepted his apology.
“I’ve done it before and I’m sure I will do it again – this is racing, but obviously I was very disappointed.
“I came in and we changed the bike, but as soon as I went out of the pitlane I crashed immediately because it was a dry setting on that bike and there is a big, big difference.
“I was not really going to carry on too much as I was too far behind the leader at that point, but it was a good job by the LCR Honda team this weekend and I really appreciate all the fan support as they really helped us.”