Monster Yamaha's Cal Crutchlow has hailed his equal-best MotoGP performance to date as a true result as it was against the whole MotoGP field in the dry at Qatar and not in iffy conditions at Valencia where some riders failed to see the chequered flag.

Crutchlow started from the front row and, after losing a couple of places as the lights went out, sat in behind team-mate Andrea Dovizioso for most of the 22-lapper before passing him with a handful of circuits to go and keeping ahead until the pair crossed then line.

“That was a great way to start the season but it was a really tough race. I didn't make a great start and lost a few positions and that is a bit disappointing because I'm sure I could have been much closer to the top three. I wouldn't have been fighting with them but I lost a bit of time and the gap to them could have been halved. It was a great battle with Andrea and I enjoyed it," said the Coventry man.

"I learned a lot as well because he has a lot of experience and it was a game of cat and mouse for a long time. I knew I could pass him but I also knew that he would be able to sit right on my tail, so I just waited for the right moment and made a good move on Andrea. After that I just got my head down and concentrated on being consistent and not making a mistake so I didn't give him a chance to pass me back.

"The good thing about tonight is I backed up all the good performances in winter testing and being close to the front with my best MotoGP race. I know I was fourth in Valencia last season but the conditions were tricky and not everybody finished. This was a true result and I am delighted too for my Monster Yamaha Tech 3 crew. They have given me amazing support and this result gives us all a lot of confidence to take to Jerez.”