Within the LCR team, we note a deterioration in the hitherto polite relations between Cal Crutchlow and Takaaki Nakagami. It must be said that the latter wants to emancipate itself from the first to assert itself a little more with a Honda factory which has yet to confirm its contract. So, obviously, things get stuck, including when it comes to doing tests…
The test in question is that of Barcelona which followed a Catalan Grand Prix where there was some friction between the Englishman and the Japanese. We saw a Nakagami ride together with Marc Márquez on a 2019 version of the RC213V when he is normally equipped with the 2018 opus. This with a correct time, even better than with his machine from last year, and enthusiastic comments. What to worry about Crutchlow ? The latter wants to tell his version of the facts to better emphasize a practically unfair maneuver by the Japanese...
Cal Crutchlow explains as follows: “ Taka believes HRC asked him to test the 2019 bike, but that is not the case. It is me who has been begging HRC for six months to pilot it and thus confirm my assessment. The problem with this test was that Taka just wanted to ride fast and he used the new soft development tire ».
An approach criticized by the Englishman: “ he just wanted to be able to quickly say that he needed a factory bike for next year, so I think he and his crew chief were trying to make that happen as quickly as possible. I didn't use soft tires all day and I finished my testing early because I gave him one of our bikes ».
Despite the criticism, Crutchlow recalls the analysis of Nakagami, more or less similar to his own: “ he confirmed my feelings. There are positive aspects, as the engine is more powerful and the rear tire spins less when exiting the corner, but the corner has become much more difficult to negotiate. His bike and mine have both positive and negative aspects. It's good that he took it because I put a lot of pressure for it to happen, it was good to be able to explain the situation ».
Nakagami also confirms the criticisms of Crutchlow regarding the 2019 Honda since winter testing. “ The feeling for the front is a little different, especially entering the corner. But I can't say it's negative, because I feel the speed » declared the Japanese. “ Performance and acceleration are a little better on the 2019 bike, so you ride a little differently, you can enter earlier and focus more on corner exit.e ”.
« With the 2018 engine, the character is different. The power delivered is very different. Marc Márquez says he can drive differently this year, and I completely agree with that ».
The next test will take place the day after the Czech Republic Grand Prix in Brno. But Nakagami will no longer test the 213 RC2019V: “ no, because for me it makes no sense, because you can lose the feeling of the 2018 bike. The concept is completely different ».
Although Nakagami has not yet signed a contract for 2020, it is likely that the team Lucio Cecchinello keeps its pilot. “ There is no news, because we have not yet agreed on the details " said Nakagami for the last time at the Sachsenring. What he wants is clear: “ I need a factory bike to improve my results and be at the forefront, I would like to compete in the same conditions. If I were to still have a machine from the previous year, it would be difficult to be able to win and get on the podium ».
