Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda) was back at the business end in the French GP, converting a front row start to a top five finish despite struggling to turn the bike at Le Mans. Crutchlow did find positives however, and says he felt good on the brakes - and was happy to get a solid result after the crash out of contention in Jerez.
Finding life difficult on the harder front tyre in France, next up is the Italian GP at Mugello and a new option front – which has the rider from Coventry optimistic and with a similar target of top six.
Cal Crutchlow, P5: "I was struggling today to turn the bike with the harder front tyre, it was really difficult and I was losing a lot of time in the mid-turn. But I felt quite good in the braking zone and I'm happy enough to finish in the top five. At least we finished and that was important after not doing so in the last race. My target today was the top six and we finished in the top five, so I'm pleased enough. At Mugello I'll be aiming for the top six again, although there are a lot of guys riding fast at the moment, and I'm hoping the new tyre might suit me a bit better."