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Crutchlow becomes first British MotoGP winner in 35 years with Brno victory

MotoGp of Czech Republic - Qualifying

BRNO, CZECH REPUBLIC - AUGUST 20: Cal Crutchlow of Great Britain and LCR Honda rounds the bend during the qualifying practice during the MotoGp of Czech Republic - Qualifying at Brno Circuit on August 20, 2016 in Brno, Czech Republic. (Photo by Mirco Lazzari gp/Getty Images)

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Cal Crutchlow became the first British rider to win a race in the premier class of motorcycle racing in 35 years after claiming a stunning victory in Sunday’s Czech Grand Prix.

Crutchlow started 10th on the grid at Brno, but dropped back to 15th in the early stages after making a poor getaway.

The track had been left damp following a rain shower in the lead-up to the start of the race, bringing many of the satellite riders into contention as the typically-dominant factory runners struggled.

Pole-sitter Marc Marquez dropped back early on, handing control of the race to Ducati’s Andrea Iannone. The Italian was eaged to follow up his maiden MotoGP victory last Sunday in Austria with a second victory, but as the race wore on, his soft tires started to fade.

Running with hard front and rear tires, Crutchlow began to light up the timing sheets as he swept through the field, rising from 15th at the start of lap four to find himself leading on lap 15.

The LCR Honda rider remained cool at the front of the pack in the closing stages to cross the line and record a famous victory, finishing seven seconds clear of nine-time world champion Valentino Rossi in second place.

“It’s the best day of my racing career, but I’m really really pleased for my team,” Crutchlow said after the race.

“We worked hard for this and I took the gamble. Not many other people did and as far as I’m concerned they’re all wimps! I don’t know why if you choose one harder option you don’t choose the other. But anyway, we did the best job today and I’m so pleased for the team.

“I smashed a bike yesterday and they didn’t leave the circuit last night until midnight – so this was a good way to repay them today. I almost crashed at Turn 10 when I changed into sixth instead of fifth, but once I knew Valentino wasn’t coming – no one was coming for me – I just rode around and didn’t take risks.”

Marquez rounded out the podium for Honda, ensuring that he extended his championship lead as nearest rival Jorge Lorenzo finished a lap down in P17.

The weather shook up the pecking order enough to allow Loris Baz to finish fourth ahead of Hector Barbera and Eugene Laverty, with Danilo Petrucci in seventh. Iannone faded to eighth at the checkered flag, while Maverick Vinales and Tito Rabat rounded out the top 10.

Crutchlow’s victory was the first for a British rider in the premier class of motorcycle racing since Barry Sheene in 1981, capping off a memorable couple of sporting weeks for the UK.

Follow @LukeSmithF1