Cal Crutchlow gives an informed opinion on the sprint races which will be the big news of this 2023 MotoGP season. Because in a season with 21 Grands Prix, this new format announces 42 races and 37 points to be taken at each meeting, which necessarily changes the appearance of the title race... The veteran has his own strong opinion, including on one subject which no one really talked about openly…
Cal Crutchlow stood out favorably during the last six races of the 2022 season, replacing at short notice a Andrea Dovizioso who was tired of vegetating on the Yamaha of the team RNF extension. The brand's test driver took over after Misano, and did what he could to help fabio quartararo, even scoring points. He was so seduced by this freelance that Yamaha would like to grant him at least three “wild cards” in 2023. Yes, but next year, we will have to do with the sprint races and we understand from what follows that this is not the Englishman’s cup of tea …
In comments to him about motorsport total, Cal Crutchlow first reminds us that he is from another generation: “ I'm like a good red wine. I get faster towards the end of the race » he says, indicating that he is not a sprinter. Then he gets to the heart of the matter by announcing: “ it will not only be very difficult for the pilots. This will especially be for anyone who has a family. Personally, I think it's too much ».
Cal Crutchlow: “Pilots really aren't very smart, are they?"
He argues thus: “ for those who are young, who may not have a girlfriend, it's a different situation. For me, 18 Grands Prix would be enough, but I'm not the one who sets the rules and decides where to race ". And the Briton dismisses the idea of a social revolt in the paddock calling for an end to the infernal pace. Realistically, he asserts on this subject: “ if someone is unhappy, then someone else comes in to take over. It is not a problem to find people who want to work as mechanics, cooks or in hospitality. Teams know they can always find another employee ».
And this also applies to pilots… “ It's like pilots. If one pilot no longer wants to leave, then another is ready to return to work , Note Crutchlow. " There will always be someone who agrees. Even if it was 30 Grands Prix ».
On the other hand, since we are in the field of social law, Cal Crutchlow points out that with these sprint races, his peers were cheated in terms of salary... He says: “ when you sign a contract, you do it for each event. But the drivers sign for one season. But now they have twice as many races. I was always smart because I signed for every race. You never know what will happen. Of course, this also means missing out on money when races are canceled ". And Crutchlow finished : " maybe they need sensible managers. "Pilots really aren't very smart, are they?" ».
