Gel Coat Cracked Main Bonnet Section

[yzf1070]

Parked the car up last night after a short drive over to my parents place. Walking away from the car I heard a very noticable bang from the front of the car. Upon inspection I found that a 9 inch crack had appeared in the Gel Coat on the bonnet. I called my local dealer this morning and he knew straight away as soon as I mentioned the bonnet that it was above the exhaust manifold. Obviously its a regular occurence?!?

Anyway I was advised that the factory carry out the repair by cutting out the section and replacing it. Looks like I will be without the car for a while! Has anyone retro-fitted an aluminuim heat sheild on the underside of the bonnet in this area?

[basil brush]

I haven't got a large crack but recently noticed that the paint in that area is starting to lift and develop tiny splits. I thought at first that a cat had been sitting on it and flexing it's claws.