Cal Crutchlow has known since confinement that he no longer has his place at Honda. His lease with the Japanese manufacturer will end this season, at the end of a campaign where, until now, he has rarely shown his advantage. Blame it on injuries which have only delayed his getting used to a new RC213V apparently even less docile than the previous opuses... At a time when his replacement Alex Marquez is gaining momentum and Nakagami signs a new long-term contract, the Englishman takes stock. And face the facts...
Cal Crutchlow will leave the LCR Honda box at the end of this year. An outcome which does not make him bitter, since, unlike at the very beginning of the season, his successor Alex Marquez has shown, for two Grands Prix, that he is worthy of the position… “ As you can see, Alex definitely deserves his place in MotoGP and the team he is a part of » comments the 34-year-old Englishman, who is therefore 10 years older than the one he is talking about.
« He has a Honda contract, he will get a factory bike next year », added the veteran. “ And I think my team is a very good team. It will do just as well in my opinion. He certainly doesn't have to worry about resources ».
Et Nakagami ? " As for Taka, we all knew he was going to sign with Honda again. I hope he got a good deal ", has followed Crutchlow. " He's doing a good job this year. But that said, he is not yet on the podium. He drives very well. there is no doubt. He will perhaps be the podium driver this weekend ».
“I do the job as best I can”
That's it for the broken ones. And about himself? It can only confirm an uncertain sporting future. But he doesn't blame anyone, since he's proud of his career. When I look at the big picture, then I'm in a good place in my life. I did everything I could in the Grand Prix. Every time I got on the bike, I did my best. If I stopped now, I would be happy with what I did. I left nothing out, I gave 100%. Yes, I didn't win the world title, but I gave absolutely everything ».
A statement that sounds like a farewell speech. But Crutchlow immediately pulls himself together: “ of course I still want to race, I still believe I'm competitive. If there is an option, I will look into it. But no options are available at the moment » he admits, even if Aprilia is still his priority: “That would absolutely be something I would consider.” I spoke to them several times ».
On the other hand, the former Supersport World Champion does not see himself as a test driver: “ I didn't think of anything like that ", did he declare. " I'm always focused on improving my arm and being competitive to land near or on the podium. Like I said, I'm very happy with my situation. I do the job as best I can, as I always have. That's all ". But still insufficient to secure a position on the MotoGP starting grid in 2021…
