Crutchlow fastest in final MotoGP testing

Britain’s Cal Crutchlow (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) moved atop the timesheets as MotoGP pre-season testing drew to a close in Jerez, Spain on March 25.

The third and final day brought yet more rain, although a dryer period in the second half allowed for some much desired laps on slick tyres. Crutchlow was quickest before being demoted, but returned to the top in the closing stages -- his best effort of 1:39.511 only marginally ahead of Yamaha Factory Racing duo Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo.

“We did some decent lap times and in the end we ran quite consistently, I was pleased," Crutchlow said. "I feel good. It’s disappointing to manage no more than 70 dry laps over three days, but to be at this pace is good and I think everybody is in a similar boat.

"I think it is very difficult to beat the Hondas of Dani (Pedrosa) and Marc (Márquez) at the moment. I think their package is stronger. We know Dani is obviously very confident because he went home today – so he is happy with the bike! We are still working very hard with the Yamaha, but it’s going to be a big battle in Qatar."

At Factory Yamaha Racing, the pair of MotoGP world champions worked with an updated chassis – in contrast with Crutchlow who has had few new components to test over the pre-season.

Breaking into the top three on the final day was LCR Honda MotoGP’s Stefan Bradl, who was fifth overall on the timesheets. The German was one of several riders to hit trouble over the course of the test with a crash on Sunday afternoon. Álvaro Bautista was another and on Monday the GO&FUN Honda Gresini man was unable to ride at all, following a crash and consequent hand and knee injuries the previous evening.

Fourth overall was Repsol Honda Team’s Pedrosa, who – happy with his bike and witnessing more rain on Monday morning – soon decided to end his test early. The two Repsol bikes sandwiched Bradl who was striving to fine-tune an optimum dry weather setup, with 2013 newcomer Márquez sixth from Ducati Team’s Andrea Dovizioso.

Energy T.I. Pramac Racing Team’s Andrea Iannone, Ducati Team’s Nicky Hayden and Bautista completed the top 10 from Ducati test rider Michele Pirro.

Australia’s Bryan Staring (Gresini) was 23rd out of the 25 riders on his CRT machine.

The 2013 MotoGP season will begin under lights from April 4-6, with Anthony West (Moto2), Arthur Sissis (Moto3) and Jack Miller (Moto3) also in action.