Solid MotoGP debut for Cal Crutchlow

Yamaha insurance holder Cal Crutchlow was delighted to have completed his first race for the Tech 3 team in MotoGP.

The British rider qualified well for the race in Qatar, securing eighth on the grid with a time faster than that set by Valentino Rossi on the Ducati.

However, Crutchlow slipped back at the start, before battling on to take 11th place and earn championship points in his first race in the premier class.

He said: "I wanted to finish and get a race under my belt, so it was mission accomplished.

"The next couple of races will be tough because I don't know the circuits but I'll be doing my best for the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 squad."

Crutchlow joined the Tech 3 team from the World Superbike Championship and is a former world champion in the Supersports class.

His challenge in MotoGP is made especially tough as he has never ridden at many of the circuits on the calendar.

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