Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda) made the correct tyre choice for the Japanese GP – of that the Brit is sure – but struggles for pace at the start then saw the Brit penalised further as a mistake saw him run off track. A good haul of points and top Independent Team rider once again – but Crutchlow feels more is possible and will be looking to put that right next time out as he fights to take back Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team) in the Championship, for sixth overall.
Cal Crutchlow (P5): “Today was a good finishing position for me and the team, but I made a mistake in the middle of the race. I ran the hard front tyre, which I believe was the correct choice, but it was really difficult to go fast at the start of the race. So I waited and looked to do a good job towards the end, which was always going to be the plan. I believe I could have done that, but I ran off the track which complicated things for me. I lost eight or nine seconds on that lap. It was my own fault, but I managed to stay on the bike as I went through the gravel, which was the main thing. We still managed to finish in a strong position, but evidently we are a bit disappointed as we could have battled for the podium today. The Team did a great job, though, and another top-five result is important for the second half of the season.”