MotoGP

Crutchlow: “Qualifying Crash Cost Me Front Row”

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Cal Crutchlow feels he should've qualified on the front row of the grid at Mugello this afternoon and rued a crash late in the session. The Briton crashed at Correntaio on his new tyre run and was forced to re-join on a used set, leaving him unable to do better than sixth.

“I’m a little bit disappointed because I made a silly mistake pushing too hard too soon on a brand new front tyre. Maybe it hadn’t reached optimum working temperature but it was a stupid mistake and it cost me at least the front row. I’m confident I could have battled for pole but I only had one new front tyre for qualifying and I crashed on it immediately. The small technical problem yesterday meant I couldn’t get the bike back to the pits, so I had go out on the spare machine on completely new rubber. After the crash today all I had was an old front tyre and I did my fastest lap with 27-laps on it. I just couldn’t push at all on the front and it definitely cost me the front row. I used the new rear tyre as best as I could but I’m sure I could have fought for pole. I’m looking forward to the race and will be aiming for the top five. Looking at Lorenzo’s pace it will be hard to fight with him but I’m definitely looking at scoring some good points for the Championship.”

Monster Yamaha Tech 3 teammate Andrea Dovizioso will start from the front of the third row but isn't worried with his position. The Italian is happy with his race pace and remains confident of challenging for a podium tomorrow.

“I am quite happy because my race pace is fast and consistent and we have done a good job in that area again this weekend. Each session I have improved my feeling with the bike but I feel we still have some margin with the front of the bike because I feel quite at the limit. Right at the end of the session I nearly crashed so we need to try and improve the bike to help the lap time come easier. The start will be very important as once again I have to start from the third row of the grid. But in the last few races when that has been the case I have fought for the podium, so I am not hugely worried. I think I can be lapping in the low 48s tomorrow but in the heat it will be a tough race. Lorenzo seems to be a bit faster than the rest of us but I am sure I can fight with the others and I would love to give the Italian fans another podium.”

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