Valencia MotoGP: Cal Crutchlow accepts blame for fall from second
Cal Crutchlow reckons he was culpable for the mistake that led to him crashing out of second in a treacherous Valencia MotoGP finale
Having opted to start from the pitlane following a last-minute switch to slicks, the Briton fought his way through the field and was running second when, seven laps from the finish, he lost the front of his bike heading into the final turn.
It was his third retirement in the last four races, all of which he has exited while in podium contention.
He was fighting for third when he ran out of fuel on the last lap at Motegi, crashed from fourth one lap before rain halted the race at Sepang but then fought back to finish third at Phillip Island.
Despite the treacherous conditions Crutchlow accepted full blame for a 'stupid' crash which confined him to seventh in the riders' standings.
"It was completely my own mistake," he confessed.
"Just tricky conditions, I hit a wet patch and locked the front wheel when I had a good gap to the guy behind me.
"I was actually lucky not to get tangled up with the bike. It's a shame because I wasn't pushing that hard.
"It was a stupid mistake to make, but I wasn't the only one to crash out, I suppose."
Despite the fall Crutchlow said he could take positives from his form both at Valencia and across the season run-in.
"I'm disappointed to end the year with a crash but I'm also pleased that in the last five races that we've shown real podium potential at every race," he said.
"I think Sepang was the only one where [it was] a little more difficult for the podium but every other one we've showed really good potential.
"If we can continue that I'll be pleased."
Of finishing seventh in the championship he added: "I think our true potential was probably fourth or fifth if you look at the speed.
"We've been faster than Dovi [Andrea Dovizioso] all year but he's been more consistent and had a bit better luck.
"Every track we've been the faster rider, we just haven't finished the race in front.
"I've shown my potential this year and that I am good enough to fight with the best in the world.
"I can now look forward to 2013 with a lot of confidence."
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