Cal Crutchlow frustrated to miss out on podium after Assen first corner incident

Crutchlow dropped to 15th in the incident, but was able to battle back through to finish fifth. His Tech 3 Yamaha team-mate Andrea Dovizioso took third at Assen after a dice with factory Yamaha rider Ben Spies.

"Once again I am contemplating what might have been because without the incident at the first corner I had the pace to be on the podium today," said Crutchlow. "I was actually quite lucky to avoid being collected by Alvaro and Jorge but I still had to run off track and I was last."

He added: "Like in Silverstone I was right at the back but just decided to get my head down and recover as many places as possible. I had a really good battle with the Ducatis but I had a faster pace, although I had one big moment when I lost the front on lap eight and had to do all the hard work again.

"To be at the back and still come through to fifth is a fantastic result. But there is no doubt I should have been in the battle with Andrea and Ben."

Crutchlow had no doubt that Bautista was at fault for the crash. The Gresini Honda rider will have to start next weekend's German Grand Prix from last as a punishment.

"I'm glad Jorge was not hurt because the job he has done for Yamaha this season has been incredible and he didn't deserve that today," said Crutchlow.

"Alvaro was way too fast and I know he didn't do that intentionally but you have to be sensible when braking from high-speed for a tight first corner like that."

The Briton said that despite the result not being as good as it could have been, he was still satisfied given his championship position and his injury.

"With my ankle still causing me a lot of pain and coming from last to fifth, I can't be too disappointed and I leave here still fourth in the world championship and that is very important," he said.