---
title: "Crutchlow makes amends for Qatar DNF with Termas podium"
canonical: "https://readmotorsport.com/2017/04/11/crutchlow-makes-amends-qatar-dnf-termas-podium/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Lewis Duncan"
section: "MotoGP News"
published: "2017-04-11T12:19:42Z"
modified: "2017-04-11T12:20:19Z"
---

# Crutchlow makes amends for Qatar DNF with Termas podium

Cal Crutchlow made amends for his Qatar DNF at Termas de Rio Hondo on Sunday, the LCR Honda rider valiantly claiming third after a scrap with Yamaha’s Valentino Rossi.

The British rider, along with the rest of the Honda runners, found the going tough all weekend in Argentina, the RC213 proving to be an incredibly difficult motorcycle to ride at the 2.9-mile Termas track.

![Mirco Lazzari gp/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readmotorsport.com/readmotorsport/2017/04/666261414.jpg)

Nonetheless, Crutchlow was able to utilise his prowess in damp conditions to qualify third, and this set him up for a podium challenge on Sunday.

A warning light on the dashboard of his Honda caused him some concern, and this left him powerless to defend against the hard-charging Maverick Vinales in the early laps. It eventually disappeared and he was able to push again.

However, the light soon returned and Crutchlow had to turn his attention to keeping Rossi at bay. Despite his issues, the Briton put up a strong defence and kept the Yamaha rider behind until lap 18.

![Mirco Lazzari gp/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readmotorsport.com/readmotorsport/2017/04/666615422.jpg)

“I had to manage the race right from the very start as I had a warning light on the dash, but I didn’t panic and when Maverick came past I just decided to follow and see if I could control the situation, which I did,” explained the LCR rider.

“Once Vale came on to me I decided to try and push again, but the light came back on so I had to slow down and try to manage the rest of the race as best I could.

“Vale came past me as he seemed to have a bit more grip than me, but we know the Honda bike is quite difficult to ride at the moment.”

Crutchlow had a fairly comfortable three-second margin to the chasing Aspar Ducati of Alvaro Bautista, and this allowed him to just ease off the pace to get across the line safely for his first podium since winning the Australian Grand Prix last October.

![Mirco Lazzari gp/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readmotorsport.com/readmotorsport/2017/04/666610248.jpg)

Third place sees Crutchlow shoot up the championship standings to fifth spot with 16 points, and currently sits as top [Honda rider after a disastrous afternoon for the factory team.](https://readmotorsport.com/2017/04/10/nightmare-sunday-marquez-termas/)

“We did a good job to manage things and bring the bike home in a podium position,” he added.

“Qatar was a disaster for me and the team as I felt strong there and believed I could get a good result, but to get a podium in the first two races is good. I’m really pleased for the team.”