HM Plant Honda's Cal Crutchlow just couldn't match his team-mate's pace in the second British Superbike race at Brands Hatch and had to settle for one podium this weekend.

Crutchlow, who will join the Factory Yamaha World Supersport team in 2009, got a fighting second behind new champion Shane Byrne in race one, but a lack of grip in race two relegated him to fourth.

“In the first race I had a bit of a go at Shakey at about mid-race distance and closed the gap but then made a few little mistakes, but kept second place," said Crutchlow.

"I was still the first Honda and four-cylinder home, which was nice. In the second race I just never had the grip that I had in the first. We got a good start and I was sat behind Leon quite comfortably but as he started to up the pace and pull away I just had no answer to him and not as much grip from my rear tyre, which felt pretty worn-out straight away.

"With Tom’s retirement we finally secured third in the championship, which isn’t what I wanted at the start of the season, but I’ve shown I’m competitive and can win on a Superbike. I’m now off to the World Supersport championship where I want to do Britain proud. I’d like to thank HM Plant Honda, who are a great team, Honda UK and all my personal sponsors for their support.”