Monster Yamaha's Cal Crutchlow ended the three-day Sepang MotoGP excactly where he wanted to be, behind the Honda and Yamaha works bikes but says he is expecting a tough season.
The British rider was just six-tenths slower than Dani Pedrosa in the final analysis and was ahead of the HRC-backed machinery ridden by Stefan Bradl and Alvaro Bautista.
“It has been a very positive week and I am where I expected to be and that's right behind the top four factory bikes. I can't really ask for more than that and I'm pleased with my lap times because my bike is almost identical to the bike I rode last year," said Crutchlow.
"Today I was doing a lot of laps on old tyres and trying to stay consistent and I've improved. I also feel like I've made good progress in improving on the brakes, so it has been a productive test and good to be back on track after the winter break.
"I've built up my confidence each day but it is obvious that 2013 is going to be incredibly tough. There is some amazing talent on really good machinery but I am really looking forward to it. I'll be ready to give it 100% as always and come the first race in Qatar I'll be ready to challenge."
