Cal Crutchlow 'nearly abandoned' lap that gave him front row start for MotoGP's Portuguese Grand Prix
Cal Crutchlow says he was close to abandoning the lap which put on him provisional pole and eventually gave him a front row slot for MotoGP's Portuguese race at Estoril
The Tech 3 Yamaha rider sprang a huge shock as he moved to the top of the timesheets in the final five minutes of qualifying, moments after Casey Stoner looked like he had secured the position.
Though Crutchlow was eventually bumped down to third by the two works Hondas, he was able to beat Jorge Lorenzo and finish as the top Yamaha rider for the first time in 2012.
Crutchlow has now qualified on the front row twice in three MotoGP races so far this year, taking fourth on the grid for the remaining race, and says claiming a maiden MotoGP podium will be the goal in Sunday's race.
"I was just trying to go faster and do my best," Crutchlow said of the run which sent him top. "I knew I had made two big mistakes in the first two sectors though, so I was actually going to scrap the lap.
"I'm really pleased. We were just trying to make time in the last sector, which is where we were all struggling compared to Jorge.
"It's nice to be the top Yamaha, as we've been working very hard. We're coming closer to the podium at every race as well, but Jorge will be there in the race so it will be very difficult."
Share Or Save This Story
Silverstone: Circuit of Wales is not viable
Qatar MotoGP: Marquez beats Rossi in action-packed race
Redding: I've got to 'do a Marquez'
Crutchlow to make MotoGP return at Mugello as Zarco's replacement
Hand injury forces Crutchlow to miss MotoGP Silverstone wildcard
Why Yamaha’s MotoGP rivals should fear Crutchlow’s return
Nicky Hayden: Remembering motorsport's much-loved "one-off" five years on
Morbidelli/Rossi relationship won’t change as MotoGP team-mates
Why Alex Marquez doesn't care about 'shutting up' MotoGP critics
Why Rally Finland victory means as much as a WRC title to Pajari
Paddon secures extra Hyundai WRC outing in 2026
The deep and lasting significance of the McLaren MP4/4’s forgotten older brother
WRC Finland: Pajari claims back-to-back WRC victories
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments