Crutchlow: I have one aim at Silverstone

Cal Crutchlow, the only British rider to win a 500cc/MotoGP race since Barry Sheene in 1981, is prepared to throw caution to the wind in pursuit of a home victory at Silverstone this weekend.

A home rider (Sheene included) hasn't won the premier-class of the British Grand Prix since the event moved from the Isle of Man, where Coventry-born Crutchlow now lives, to the UK mainland in 1977.

Having claimed pole position and second place at Silverstone in 2016, then finished just 1.679s from victory (in fourth) last year, there is only one remaining target for the LCR Honda rider.

"I have one aim at Silverstone and that's to win. Why not?" said Crutchlow, who took his third MotoGP victory in Argentina this season to become the first British rider since Sheene in 1979 to lead the world championship, but is now eighth in the standings.

"It's quite clear it's going to be difficult for me to win the championship, so let's try and win some more races.

"I was competitive at Silverstone last year and I intend to be again this year, but there are seven guys that can win it.

"Hopefully we've got that little bit more than them, but we're riding against the best in the world and you can't believe what some of these guys can do on motorcycles.

"It's nice for me to be going well at the last two races and hopefully it'll continue for Silverstone. Hopefully it doesn’t rain as well! I'd like a nice dry race."

Crutchlow claimed a double World Superbike victory at Silverstone in 2010, before joining MotoGP the following year.

The 32-year-old will be the only full-time British rider in the MotoGP class next season, with Bradley Smith and Scott Redding losing their seats at KTM and Aprilia.

Free practice starts on Friday at Silverstone.