Monster Yamaha's Cal Crutchlow travels to this weekend's re-scheduled Japanese MotoGP round at Twin-Ring Motegi with increased confidence desoute it being another track he hasn't raced at before.

The former World Supersport Champion had an epic battle with Valentinio Rossi for ninth position last time out at Aragon - another track he didn't know - and rode round the outside of The Doctor to secure his second best result of the year.

“I am really looking forward to going to Japan this weekend and I feel full of confidence after the good result at the Motorland Aragon. Fighting for almost the whole race with a rider of the calibre of Valentino Rossi was really good for my experience, and I learnt a lot that will help me for the future," said Crutchlow.

"Obviously the Twin Ring Motegi is another new track for me, but I have found my way round other new tracks pretty quickly to be competitive, so hopefully it will be the same in Japan. The good thing is that after this weekend I know Phillip Island, Sepang and Valencia, so hopefully I can end the season with some strong races inside the top 10.

"It is an honour for me to represent Yamaha in the Japanese Grand Prix, and after a difficult period following the earthquake, I am looking forward to being able to show my support to the Japanese people and everyone connected to Yamaha this weekend.”