MotoGP

Crutchlow Relieved With Fourth After “Tough Session”

2 Mins read

Cal Crutchlow was more than satisfied with fourth on the grid for the German Grand Prix after a frantic end to Saturday's qualifying session at the Sachsenring. The Briton did hold provisional pole on a couple of occasions but considering the lack of track time in consistent weather conditions, is happy to start on the front of the second row.

“That was a really tough session because the rain was coming down really hard at times and it was easy to get caught out and make a mistake. Considering how bad the conditions were I am really happy to be so close to the front row. I was very close to being on the front row again but to head the second row is a good result and I am looking forward to the race. I’ve shown good pace in the wet and dry all weekend but the problem is we haven’t had enough track time in each to get a good set-up with the bike. We improved in the rain today and my Monster Yamaha Tech 3 crew put another great bike underneath me. If the rain is the same tomorrow it will be a very tricky race and a real test of concentration. It won’t be any easier in the dry either considering the lack of dry track time. I’ll be giving it my best as always and hopefully I’ll be battling inside the top five again.”

Monster Yamaha Tech 3 teammate Andrea Dovizioso wasn't quite as fortunate and will start down in eighth. The Italian said he was happy with the feeling from his bike but knows he is going to have to be aggressive early in the race in order to challenge for a podium finish.

“I am little bit upset to be starting from the third row because this track is very tight and it is very hard to overtake on. Obviously it is better to be starting much closer to the front and I didn’t manage it, so I will need to be quite aggressive from the start tomorrow to make sure I don’t lose too much ground to the leading group. I can’t be too disappointed though and we improved the rain set-up of the bike a lot today and I think my potential for the race is a lot higher than eighth. If the rain is as bad in the race as this afternoon then it will be a very tough race. The track was very slippery but I had a good feeling with the YZR-M1 and I’m sure we have prepared the best we can for a wet or a dry race.”

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