Crutchlow completes valuable one-day test at Misano

Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team rider Cal Crutchlow enjoyed a successful one-day MotoGP test session at the Misano track yesterday, the Brit completed 65 laps to make big progress with the set-up of his YZR-M1 machinery.

Once damp patches left over from heavy rain last night cleared by the late morning, Crutchlow was able to take advantage of near perfect conditions to evaluate a range of set-up options to help his competitiveness in the remaining five races of the 2013 campaign.

Crutchlow built on an encouraging top six finish in yesterday’s 28-lap race to set the fourth best time today, the 27-year-old satisfied with modifications that helped with braking performance.

A best time of 1.33.780 was less than 0.2s outside of the top three, while teammate Smith also enjoyed a positive and productive day at the San Marino venue.

Crutchlow also tested a new hard compound Bridgestone rear tyre option made available today and gave positive feedback on the new spec.

Cal Crutchlow 4th 1.33.780s – 65 laps:

“I am very happy with how the test went today. I think the chance to ride without the pressure of a race weekend came at a good time for me and I was able to gain more confidence with my YZR-M1. I now need to make sure we carry on the momentum gained at the next race in Aragon. I found some good improvements with the braking. Not so much in the initial braking but certainly in the last phase of braking and that will help me in future races. I went faster and I was able to stop the bike in a shorter distance than I could all weekend, so that is positive. I am pleased with the progress because my pace all day was consistent and a lot better than the race weekend. The new hard rear tyre from Bridgestone was also very positive. I did 28-laps on it and I did my fastest time right at the end, so Bridgestone has done an excellent job and it is great they have taken our feedback on board and made a good change in the right direction.”