Alvaro Bautista was unable to repeat his heroics from Silverstone, where he claimed his maiden
MotoGP pole start, in qualifying for the Dutch TT.
Bautista fell after the rain interrupted the Assen qualifying session and was unable to fulfil the promise he showed in free practice.
“It was a shame about the crash because we did such a good job this morning and our pace was strong,” said the Spaniard.
“This afternoon the rain came first, which set us back, and then when I went back out and tried to push I lost the front and crashed, which cost me a lot of grid positions.
“The good thing is we are fast and our rhythm is good so we just have to try and get a good start, make up positions as quickly as possible and not lose contact with the front guys.”
HGresini team-mate Michele Pirro will start from 14th position as he aims to challenge Aspar duo
Randy de Puniet and Aleix Espargaro for the CRT honours at the Dutch TT, who finished ahead of the Gresini ace in 12th and 13th places respectively.
“We lost half of the session to the rain this afternoon and that didn't help us but we have closed the gap a little to the two best CRT bikes and this is positive,” Pirro said.
“Obviously we still have some things to do, especially to solve a bad vibration, but I'm sure the team can help resolve it tomorrow and put me in a position to be fighting to be the top CRT.”