With a change in the traditional timetable for the Assen TT, we attended free practice for the MotoGP category this Friday before qualifying on Saturday and the race on Sunday, a first since the establishment of this legendary event in 1925.
Cal Crutchlow finds himself in 13rd position at the end of this first day of tests, but this place does not really reflect the pace that he was able to set during this afternoon's session where we could long see him in the Top 5 for a a good part of the 45 minutes that the session lasted. A small, minor fall in the famous Strubben corner in the final moments of the session did not allow him to improve his best time in line with what the other drivers achieved. Despite this slight disappointment, he remains less than 0.9s from the reference time.
The 30-year-old Briton and the LCR Honda team will approach this night with the hope of being able to perform on a dry track during the third free practice session tomorrow morning to have a chance to interfere directly in the session final qualifier.
Cal Crutchlow #35 – 13rd – 1'34.480 (+0.889)
“I felt really comfortable on the bike today even though the machine was moving a lot in some corners and was subject to different types of vibrations in other sections. Unfortunately, I made a mistake during my last outing. I made a stupid mistake in the fifth turn at very low speed. I must admit that I passed this place more quickly yesterday with my bike. Ultimately I'm not in the Top 10 and as it looks like the weather forecast is calling for rain tonight, there's a good chance I'll have to compete in Q1.”
“I did my fastest lap on the hardest tire option, and then on my last ride I almost matched that time on a damaged bike. I managed as best I could to put back what was necessary after my fall to be able to complete two laps again because I knew full well that the other drivers were going to switch to soft tires to set a good time. This is exactly what they did and this is the reason why I remain disappointed not to have been able to get directly into the Top 10. I was in a good rhythm at the very end of the session but I I arrived behind certain competitors who were not at the same pace. It was then impossible for me to improve my time.”
“I'm not looking for excuses, but I sincerely believe that I had the possibility of qualifying directly for Q2. There’s a chance we can do it tomorrow morning, but if it rains all night it’s going to be particularly difficult.”
