ISLE OF MAN resident Cal Crutchlow crashed out of fifth place at the Italian Grand Prix and dislocated his ankle with only three laps to go due to front end issues with the RC213V. 

The CWM LCR Honda rider defied a hand injury sustained from a nasty fall in warm-up to take part in the race, but having battled with front end issues throughout the race, the Honda got the better of the Brit as he crashed out at the fast Turn 8 and sustained a dislocated ankle.

Crutchlow said: “It’s very disappointing for the whole CWM LCR Honda team. We had what I thought was a good weekend up until the race. This morning I had a very heavy crash in the warm-up and had a big impact on my hand, so I thought it was a good showing to be racing in the position that I was.

“We had the 38 front tyre which meant steering the bike was not easy, but overall we were not so far off the factory guys and with the right setting I think we could have been higher.

“Unfortunately the front tyre failed me in the end and just tucked under at a very fast corner. My foot got caught in the back of the bike and dislocated my ankle so I’m in a lot of pain and we’ll have to monitor the situation but I’ve had good treatment.

“Obviously I’m really disappointed because it was a good race and a good showing and Honda are working very hard for us to improve so we need to come back stronger in Barcelona hopefully.”