You are here

MotoGP, Crutchlow: "In pole position with a risky strategy"

The Brit bests the factory bikes: "This Honda has more engine power and better electronics, but it is still physical"

MotoGP: Crutchlow: "In pole position with a risky strategy"

Share


The news of the day is that it is not a Spaniard on the pole in Jerez, but a Brit, namely Cal Crutchlow. Surprisingly, the team LCR rider bested the factory bikes, putting his foot down in the finale and hogging the Saturday limelight.

“It went very well this weekend – he began – partly because pole position always has a special flavour. The last time I started from the front row was right here, a year ago. Unfortunately, I am not entirely satisfied since Marc is just behind me and he’s sure to try something (smiling).”

One thing is certain: Cal astonished everyone with this performance.

I took a risk with three stops – he explained – but in the end I did the right thing, because thanks to that strategy, we’re on the pole. I made a small mistake on turn five – he admitted – but I managed to recover in the last sector. I earned this result, although we can’t afford to get ahead of ourselves.

The LCR rider’s thoughts are already on Sunday.

“It’s a pity not to arrive in Jerez at the top of the overall standings, but I’ll try to ride a good race – he commented – I’m hoping for a race that is more fun than last year, when Pedrosa killed it (smiling). Dani and Marc are definitely the guys to beat – he warned – I am convinced that Valentino will also be with the best, not to mention Zarco.”

The Brit is making this Honda a better and better fit race after race.

Here in Jerez I have two bikes with the same setup and with which I am able to be fast – he stated – I think I am in the ideal situation since I have a good team and a good bike. As I have said before, the Honda has a more powerful engine and I think this was what the riders asked the engineers in Japan for. Among other things, a step forward was taken in terms of electronics – he added – although physically it is still on the same level.

One of the aspects that conditioned the Saturday in Jerez, however, was the increase in temperature. One more obstacle for Sunday.

Any rider would prefer the cool of the morning – Cal admitted – In the afternoon you have to take fewer risks and ride differently. In fact, I must say that I struggled particularly on turn four. Maybe they could change the start time (joking).”

 

 

Translated by Jonathan Blosser
__

Related articles