MotoGP: Crutchlow satisfied he's fit to ride

Cal Crutchlow believes he will have no problems completing the Jerez MotoGP weekend after his injured hand proved manageable in Friday practice.

The Ducati rider missed last weekend's race at Termas de Rio Hondo in Argentina due to injuries sustained at Austin last month. He returned for the Spanish Grand Prix with the intention of evaluating his condition in practice.

Although Crutchlow was only 18th fastest, he was satisfied with his physical condition and particularly his ability to brake, which had been his main concern.

 "I think that went as we expected today," he said. "The position doesn't really reflect where we should be but I'm just happy to be back riding this weekend with the team.

"Today was about getting back some feeling with the bike, because I'm feeling a bit rusty. My hand is sore changing direction but braking doesn't seem so bad at the moment.

"I'm optimistic again about riding tomorrow and I think we can take some information from today and build on it for practice and qualifying."

Crutchlow's Ducati teammate Andrea Dovizioso was third quickest in the afternoon session. The works team is running three bikes this weekend with test rider Michele Pirro – who had stood in for Crutchlow in Argentina – entered as a wildcard.

Originally on Autosport.com