Team owner LCR has just renewed its agreement with Honda, which now covers Cal Crutchlow's remuneration. In an interview with crash.net, Lucio also mentioned the possibility of a second pilot.
« We are still considering this option, he explained. We gave ourselves a time limit until Brno. Brno will be our deadline. There are mainly two programs. In the first case, we would be lucky to have a sponsor to give me enough money with Dorna's support to hire a second pilot.
“Then I would choose this pilot. It would be good to see a competitive Moto2 rider join LCR… I would like an Italian rider [laughs]. But I never talk seriously with anyone, because I don't want to talk without being at least engaged. It's just a dream at the moment, a wish.
“The second possibility is to find a driver who is potentially supported by a manufacturer or company. It's no secret that the Malaysian government, for example, is really interested in having a Malaysian rider in MotoGP. The problem is that they don't really have a Malaysian competitor. But they are really keen to support such a program.
“It’s no secret that Honda HRC – if Nakagami performs in Moto2 – could support him in a MotoGP program. But this decision was not made because, unfortunately, at the moment Nakagami is not among the top three in the championship. Or there is an option to find a driver with a potential sponsor behind him, which is difficult.
“So I would realistically say at this moment that I am postponing my decision, and my communication to Dorna and the IRTA to have a second driver in two races. It is perhaps in Brno, or in Austria at most, that we would like to finalize. To understand if Nakagami's opportunity with Honda's support will come true, or if the Malaysian government would like to move forward with Syahrin in MotoGP. Or, if I was lucky, to find a sponsor. At the moment, we have several contacts with agencies, but nothing is really done. To be honest and pragmatic, right now I'd say the possibility is about 50/50.
What were the other possibilities besides Honda?
“Last year we had an approach from Suzuki. We never reached a negotiation. I simply professionally informed Honda HRC of what was happening. From there we discussed immediately whether we could strengthen our cooperation, and possibly establish a long-term cooperation plan, and from there it was at Mugello last year that we decided to stay together for the future, at least for 2017, 18 and 19. Then, I never discussed again with manufacturers although I had an approach from Aprilia last year. Since then, I have always refused to move forward with these kinds of opportunities.
What does this long-term contract with Honda change for the LCR team?
“Honestly, we have always had very good support from Honda HRC. Cal from the beginning has been more and more involved in the development of the bike, it's more and more about testing parts and giving his opinion to improve the bike.
“Let’s say I believe this contract is something that will not radically change our relationship with Honda or our working system. I believe this is a recognition from Honda HRC that Cal is important to their program. Then, it is also the opportunity for him to be more linked to the manufacturer. Plus, there may be more going on for Honda, in terms of events and public presence.
Did Cal's performances in the second half of 2016 justify the continuation of your collaboration?
“Yes absolutely. Also, I mean we always believed in Cal. We must not forget that as soon as he started working with us at the beginning of 2015, during the third race in Argentina, he was on the podium. Then he had some difficulties. I think Honda focused a lot of development in the direction of Marquez, which wasn't necessarily what Pedrosa or Cal needed, with all respect to Marc.
“Marc is a special driver. But he really likes the kind of bikes that aren't particularly easy for other riders to use. In 2016 we started listening to Honda a little more, but it was a difficult start to the season. For us the tires were new and Cal is a very demanding driver for the front tire. Then Michelin's weakness at that point was the lack of front tire warning. After Michelin improved, and Honda gained confidence with the new software, the results started to come.
“About this year, I am still looking at things positively despite the negative results. It seems positive. We were third in Argentina, fourth in Texas, fifth at Le Mans. When we are in normal conditions we can fight for the first five positions, which, considering two official Hondas, two factory Yamahas, two Ducatis and the incredible competitiveness of Zarco and Folger at Tech 3, does not is not bad. »
Photos © LCR Honda Team
Source: crash.net
