A FANTASTIC ride from Cal Cruthclow saw the Coventry -born rider finish in seventh place at the Australian MotoGP on Sunday.
The LCR Honda rider was involved in a hugely competitive race at the Phillip Island circuit and was involved at the business end throughout.
Having started from fifth spot on the grid, Crutchlow was hoping to emulate the podium finish he secured at the Australian circuit three years ago.
And although he was unable to achieve that feat, the 29-year-old produced an excellent ride and cross the finish line just ten seconds behind eventual winner Marc Marquez.
“Obviously seventh place was not the result I wanted, but we did not finish far behind the lead group,” said Crutchlow.
“I have finished on the podium here before and was nine seconds behind. Unfortunately we had a real torrid time with the rear tyre for the last ten laps of the race, we really struggled although I was riding as smoothly as I could.
“However, my pace was really consistent over the race which we’re happy with, it just wasn’t quite fast enough on a few of the laps and we ultimately paid for this.
“But my team did a good job, I’m glad to come out of here with a decent result and we have to look forward to Malaysia now.”
The result means Crutchlow maintains eighth spot in the world championship standings ahead of the final two races of the 2015 season.