MotoGP
Cal Crutchlow produces superb comeback at Silverstone

By Steve Carpenter 19/06 Updated: 19/06 18:27

Buy photos » Coventry's Cal Crutchlow salutes the Silverstone crowd. (S) Photo by Linden Adams

A CROWD of more than 65,000 cheered Cal Crutchlow on through the pain barrier as the Yamaha rider battled his way from the back of the grid to an astonishing sixth place finish at the British MotoGP.

The 26-year-old had dislocated his left ankle during practice on Saturday (June 17) and looked likely to miss out on riding on his home track for the second year running.

But Coventry-born Crutchlow defied the pain and beat a host of world class riders, including nine-time world champion Valentino Rossi, to move from 20th to sixth.

The result moves Crutchlow up to fourth in the overall standings but he was still slightly disappointed not to have made the podium at Silverstone for his home supporters.

"It was a very tough race but I just had to try and ignore the pain and let the adrenaline and support of the British crowd get me through," said Crutchlow.

"I never imagined I could get sixth position because normally if you start from the third row it is very difficult to get into that position.

"I'm really happy with my lap times because I was as quick as the guys on the podium, even with a broken ankle.

"So a little part of me can't help but think without the crash that I could have been on the podium in the British Grand Prix.

"When I was lying in the gravel on Saturday all I could think was they weren't going to see me ride in my home race again.

"Their support helped me a lot and I hope they went home proud of the job I did for them."

Richard Phillips, managing director of Silverstone Circuits Limited, said: "The fans have turned out in force to support their favourite riders and have been rewarded with some fantastic racing, notably by Cal Crutchlow and Scott Redding."