The LCR Honda rider had a solid weekend on the Thai track, but had to lower his pace in the race. Despite everything, he left for Japan with a good result.
Cal Crutchlow had finished fourth in the test carried out at the Buriram circuit in February. Comfortable at the time, he confirmed his feelings this weekend by still being at the forefront. Fourth in the combined free practice times, he then qualified in fifth position and could hope to have a good race.
Long in the wheel of Valentino Rossi, in fourth place, he unfortunately had to slow down due to tire problems and finally finished seventh. Even if this result is the worst of his weekend, it allows him to score points and to calmly consider the next Grand Prix, in Japan: “The show was superb today and we were able to be part of it by fighting at the front for a few laps. Unfortunately, I couldn't keep up with the pace of the riders in front. I did my best but after fifteen laps I felt a sudden loss of grip on my rear tire. So I then had to put a lot of pressure on the front tire, which created significant pressure on the entire front of the machine. I couldn't manage the grip as I would have liked to.
The team once again did a remarkable job to provide me with the most competitive machine possible this weekend. It was really important for us to finish the race to score the maximum points in the Championship.
This is one of my worst results of the season. It is indeed particularly frustrating to cross the finish line in seventh position, six seconds behind the winner. We will now focus on the next three Overseas Grands Prix, and in particular on that of Japan in two weeks for Honda's home race. We are going to redouble our efforts and I also think that the circuits we will be racing on will suit my driving style a little better. »
Thai Grand Prix, Buriram, MotoGP J.3: Ranking.
1 93 Marc MARQUEZ Honda 39'55.722
2 4 Andrea DOVIZIOSO Ducati +0.115
3 25 Maverick VIÑALES Yamaha +0.270
4 46 Valentino ROSSI Yamaha +1.564
5 5 Johann ZARCO Yamaha +2.747
6 42 Alex RINS Suzuki +3.023
7 35 Cal CRUTCHLOW Honda +6.520
8 19 Alvaro BAUTISTA Ducati +6.691
9 9 Danilo PETRUCCI Ducati +9.944
10 43 Jack MILLER Ducati +11.077
11 29 Andrea IANNONE Suzuki +15.488
12 55 Hafizh SYAHRIN Yamaha +17.691
13 41 Aleix ESPARGARO Aprilia +21.413
14 21 Franco MORBIDELLI Honda +22.802
15 38 Bradley SMITH KTM +23.628
16 45 Scott REDDING Aprilia +23.804
17 17 Karel ABRAHAM Ducati +32.507
18 10 Xavier SIMEON Ducati +37.216
19 81 Jordi TORRES Ducati +39.204
20 12 Thomas LUTHI Honda +39.421
21 44 Pol ESPARGARO KTM +53.388
22 30 Takaaki NAKAGAMI Honda 2 Laps
Not Classified
26 Dani PEDROSA Honda 8 Laps
