MotoGP: Cal Crutchlow happily recalls that he was right about Quartararo

Half-time has been called in MotoGP, and it is an opportunity to take stock of past events. But also on the declarations before the start of hostilities, made during the winter tests. A question was then asked about the beginners arriving in 2019 in the premier category. Many gave Francesco Bagnaia as the favorite of the rookies. A logical prognosis because the Italian was crowned with his world title acquired in Moto2. Only one, on the other hand, had designated another pilot, and his choice had then surprised more than one...

And the one who had the hollow nose is none other than Cal Crutchlow. Insensitive to the times of “Pecco” and in particular during the Sepang tests, the Englishman was already putting a coin on fabio quartararo : " I'm glad I was right. When Bagnaia ran his time at Sepang earlier this year, I predicted Quartararo would surpass him and become the fastest debutant " remember Cal Crutchlow. " I was right with that prediction, and everyone laughed and was amazed by what I said at the time ».

But the LCR Honda driver, who finished third at the Sachsenring, was indeed right before anyone else: “ I know that Fabio has great talent and that he is very, very good. I have to admit that it’s fantastic. Several poles, he has been on the podium, twice already, he is on a wave of success and we cannot deny it ».

Despite everything, the same Crutchlow warns: “ I think if he was on a different bike than the one he has now, except maybe a Suzuki, he would have a lot more trouble. The Yamaha is a very nice bike, especially for someone just starting out. So the question is how he will fight next year ».

Quarterly will then begin its second MotoGP season. This means that he will be expected, that he will have to optimize his approach in terms of configuration, tires, strategies… “ Then it will be more difficult, as the example of the factory driver sometimes shows ", Explain Crutchlow. " Nevertheless, I have great respect for him, he is a great guy and a great talent for the future » assures the LCR pilot.

It will be recalled that after nine races this season, fabio quartararo clearly outperformed the other beginners. Three pole positions and two podiums are the prerogative of the young Frenchman from the Petronas Yamaha team.