Cal Crutchlow says he is pleased the 2016 season is over and done, after crashing out on the 17th lap of today’s MotoGP race at Valencia.
The LCR Honda man had been running ninth when tyre troubles caused him to crash.
“I didn’t feel comfortable all weekend. I felt I had good pace, I felt I had the pace for top six, but in the race it became very apparent immediately that I couldn’t push,” he explained.
“I ran the harder new profile front tyre and it was just a disaster at the start of the race. I couldn’t go with the other guys. Once I settled into a rhythm I felt fine, I felt comfortable but I could only ride alone.
“I made a mistake going into the last corner and the front tyre was just way over pressure. It was more than what we ran all weekend but because you’re in a rhythm and pushing hard in the braking zones the pressure goes up had not feeling at the start of the race. In the middle I was not so bad. But then I crashed going into the last corner.
“It’s same old same old. Last year is the same as what we’ve said this year. We have to compensate so much in the braking zone.
“ When have you seen Dani crash two times in a weekend with the front? It doesn’t really happen.
“Me being a little heavier, a different riding style, it’s just one of those things, nothing I can do about it now.”
Ever one to speak his mind, Crutchlow admits he is happy it’s all over and praised his crew for all their hard work
“I didn’t want to finish the season like that but I’m proud of my season I’ve been proud of my team they’ve done a good job with what we’ve had.”
“We’ve had four podiums. Two wins. One in the wet, one in the dry. We have to take a lot of positives from that because a lot of the other factory guys have only had one win.”
With testing due to get underway on Tuesday, he admits he can’t wait to get home.
“There’s nothing really more to say than yes we’re disappointed with today, I’m glad this season’s over, I’ve had enough of this season. Emotions up and down, I could quite easily get on a flight home.
“Everyone is drained, everyone wants to go home and have some rest, me being one of them.”
