Abraham wraps up rookie season

Karel Abraham and Cal Crutchlow put on a superb final-race battle for the 2011 Rookie of the Year title at Valencia on Sunday, the Czech rider eventually coming off second best after pushing on the final lap and running off track.

Rounding off an impressive debut season in the premier class with an eighth place finished at Valencia, Abraham and Crutchlow scrapped for positions throughout the race until the last lap when the Czech rider ran off after touching his competitor’s rear wheel.

“The race was perfect. It was a good battle between me and Cal. I think everybody enjoyed it,” said the Cardion ab Motoracing rider. “I had hoped that Dani (Pedrosa) would slow Cal a little bit and I would make up some of the gap.”

Commenting on the moment when he ran off, Abraham added: “I knew that he (Crutchlow) would try to overtake me in that corner, but I was too fast and touched his rear tyre. What can I say… I’m so sorry because it was a very good race. Plus, it could have been my best result of the year and I could have taken the award for the best rookie. It’s a shame, but things like this happen. This season has been quite unlucky for us, but I believe that we will have more luck next season.”

Abraham will now start preparations for the 2012 campaign at the Test on Tuesday, when he will ride the Desmosedici GP12.

“I’m looking forward to testing it. With every change of category or motorcycle I have made progress and I’m hoping that this time it will be the same,” he concluded.