Cal Crutchlow endured a disappointing 32nd birthday at the Sepang International Circuit on Sunday after he was forced to settle for 15th place at the Malaysia Grand Prix.
The British rider was frustrated by a rear tyre issue which ensured he was unable to challenge towards the front of the field at the penultimate round of this year's MotoGP World Championship.
Having qualified down in tenth spot, Crutchlow always faced an uphill battle with more rain in Malaysia ensuring a wet race on Sunday.
But an issue with a misshapen rear tyre meant he was unable to push hard at any point, leaving him lapping towards the back for the entirety of the race. Despite his obvious frustration, Crutchlow is already looking forward to the season's finale in Valencia where he will look to sign off with a more positive result.
Sunday's race was won by Ducati's Andrea Dovizioso, ensuring his World Championship battle with Honda's Marc Marquez will now go down to the final round.
