Cal Crutchlow scored his first podium of the season after brilliantly crossing the finish line in second position at the German Grand Prix which took place this Sunday in particularly delicate conditions on the Sachsenring circuit. The LCR Honda team rider had proven throughout the weekend that he was fast in all circumstances but unfortunately he underperformed during qualifying, which meant he only started after the 13rd place on the starting grid.
On a completely wet track, the choice of wet tires was the only possible option before the race. After starting with the harder tire option at the front, it took a few laps for the 30-year-old Briton to confidently ride at his own pace. Once the asphalt began to dry, he found the right pace and overtook several riders. He was even in third place before the other competitors began to change bikes.
The Coventry native finally made the decision to also change machines seven laps from the finish and continue the event with slick tires before leaving the pit lane in fifth position. After battling hard with Andrea Dovizioso, he quickly took third place before getting the better of his compatriot Scott Redding one lap from the end of the Grand Prix. He fought hard to maintain his position and triumphantly crossed the finish line in second place. His best result as a driver for the LCR team allowed him to enjoy champagne on the podium for the first time this season.
Cal Crutchlow #35 – 2rd
“It was so difficult to manage the situation well at the start but we tried to give the best of ourselves as we always do. I think I'm one of the strongest drivers in these types of conditions and I was one of the fastest competitors throughout the weekend. I just needed to make it happen in the race and that’s what I managed to achieve.”
“I definitely should have returned to the pits much earlier to change bikes but I couldn't see my panel board. So I returned at the same time as Rossi and Dovizioso because they were leading the Grand Prix. It’s a decision that I ultimately don’t have to regret and which allowed me to get on the podium.”
“I am now looking forward to the little celebration we are going to have this evening with the LCR Honda team because we deserve it so much and we will now be able to enjoy the summer break with happy thoughts of this race. I also missed my wife Lucy this weekend and this is only the second event she hasn't been by my side in nine years. She will soon give birth, probably just before the next Grand Prix in Austria and I am waiting for this moment with immense impatience.”
Ranking in the 2016 MotoGP world championship: 14rd / 40 points
