CAL CRUTHLOW claimed sixth place at the Grand Prix of Japan at the Twin Ring Motegi on Sunday.
As predicted, the MotoGP showpiece was affected by wet conditions with heavy rain having hit the circuit ahead of the race.
Leaving from eighth on the grid, Coventry-born Crutchlow endured a difficult start, but soon found his rhythm and began to move through the field.
In the end he was involved in an entertaining tussle with Bradley Smith, and he got the better of his fellow Briton to seal sixth place at the chequered flag.
“We are pleased with the result to finish in the top six,” said Crutchlow.
“I am a little disappointed as I thought again I was one of the strongest guys in the rain, but I had a bad first couple of laps because the rear tyre failed to heat. After that I came on strong and felt really good and made up some places.
“By the time I had pushed, the front tyre was completely destroyed and I finished the race with a tyre that looked like a slick!
“I tried my best and we did a good job as a team today, we made sure we finished and got some good points heading into the next race in Australia.”
