MotoGP: Home podium a 'dream come true' for Crutchlow

Cal Crutchlow has said it is a ‘dream come true’ to stand on the podium in front of a home crowd at Silverstone after fighting off hard challenges from Marc Marquez and Valentino Rossi to take a second placed finish at the British Grand Prix.

Off the back of securing his maiden Grand Prix victory in Brno, Crutchlow showed strong pace throughout the weekend in both wet and dry conditions before going on to take pole position in a sodden qualifying session on Saturday.

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A strong start from pole saw Crutchlow taket he lead in the first corners before losing out to eventual race winner Maverick Vinales, but the tenacious Brit wasn’t going to let the others beat him up as a race long battle ensued with Marquez, Rossi and Ducati’s Andrea Iannone.

As Iannone fell from second place, Crutchlow moved back into the runner-up spot and despite a hard late race challenge from Marquez, the LCR Honda man held off the Spaniard’s charge for long enough to force him into a mistake.

“It’s a dream come true to stand on the podium at your home Grand Prix,” Crutchlow said. “It’s really special, I’m so pleased for my team as they deserve it. I’ve worked hard here, at home with my wife and Willow to make sure I can get to this point in my career.

“I wanted to win but I am happy with the podium and credit to Maverick, he rode superbly today and deserved that win. I had a great battle with Rossi and that’s what it’s all about, entertaining the crowd.

“Marc hit my leg with his wing, we know it wasn’t intentional – this is racing, especially with Marc, he gives 100% all of the time and doesn’t want to give up the position or take it if it’s there to be taken. That’s just the way it is. I gave as good as I got and hit a few people now and again too. I can’t complain too much!”

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