Yamaha Motor Corporation

CAL CRUTCHLOW claimed another fourth place finish at Jerez, as he came close to becoming the first British rider to stand on a MotoGP podium in 12 years.

The Tech 3 Yamaha rider hounded the factory Repsol Honda of Dani Pedrosa for the majority of the race and finished 2.4 seconds of race winner Casey Stoner.

“That was a seriously hard race but I really enjoyed it and I am really happy to have finished so close to the podium," said Crutchlow.

"One of the pleasing aspects is that I don't really like Jerez that much. It's a little bit twisty for my riding style and it is only the second time I have raced here, so to come away with a fourth and been within touching distance of my first MotoGP podium is fantastic. 

"I was fourth in Qatar but today I could actually see the winner and there is no reason why I can't be up there battling for the podium from now on. 

"There will still be some races where I won't be that close to the podium but now I know we can be there. 

"I gave it everything I had to pass Dani but there was nothing I could do. He is phenomenal round this track, so I'm happy to have challenged him so closely. But he was the better rider today and it was really hard to stay with him. I set the fastest lap of the race though, so that proves the progress I've made since last season.”

Jeremy McWilliams was the last British rider to finish on the podium in the premier class, finishing third at Donington Park in 2000.