RAMSEY resident Cal Crutchlow fell out of contention while challenging for a top-five finish in the Malaysian Grand Prix held in monsoon conditions at the Sepang circuit early on Sunday morning (UK time).
The 20-lap race started in treacherous conditions, but Crutchlow was having a very strong race after a cautious start to climb from 10th to fifth. He had just passed Nicky Hayden and Stefan Bradl when he fell out of contention at the final corner on lap 11.
The spill cost Crutchlow more precious points in his quest to finish fifth in the World Championship rankings but he is confident he can return to the podium battle in next weekend’s Australian Grand Prix at Phillip Island.
‘It was a pretty disappointing weekend to be honest and another non-finish has really hurt my chances of finishing fifth in the championship.
‘When I crashed the rain had really started to fall heavily and I was braking upright. I must have hit some standing water but I was down with no chance to save it.
‘I had to make up all my time on the brakes and I was pushing and got caught out. Phillip Island is a track I love, so hopefully I can put the disappointment of here and Japan behind me to finish the season strongly.’