The MotoGP paddock may be a little calmer in the absence of Crutchlow. The Englishman named Cal was known for his sometimes outspoken comments on certain of his colleagues regarding particular situations or even about Honda policy and the development of the RC213V. But he was also loved for this frankness and sincerity and stood out in an environment so civilized that he would have become tasteless. That being said, it is now Yamaha who will benefit from this character since Crutchlow will now be their test rider...
Before being more discreet because of his new functions, the one who will never return to the ranks gave himself up one last time to his compatriots of crash.net. In this outing, he fully assumes his philosophy, scratches the environment and gives the names of those who could maintain this flame of revolt.
Firstly, and this is important, Cal Crutchlow does not apologize for anything: “ I am different from the robots who all give the image and answers of the company. It worked well for me and my sponsors ". And it also worked with the public and the fans. On this point, he sends a dig to his colleagues: “ At the end of the day, people in general are no different to me " said Crutchlow. " While many pilots think they are above others because they are in a privileged position ».
The 35-year-old retired from full-time competition after ten seasons in the premier class, where he won 19 podiums and three Grand Prix victories as satellite team driver Honda LCR. " I say what I say because that's what I believe ", has explained Crutchlow. " It's hard to know if it's right or wrong to say it! But I won't lie about things, I'll tell the truth or what I feel ».
A posture which did not only have disadvantages: “ but that's why I've always had good relations with the media. Yes, of course, they got me in trouble a few times, but in general, I think people respect me for that because I'm different ". He specifies : " I've kept the same sponsors for so many years, I've been with Monster for the most years of any athlete they've had. I think it's because of my personality. I'm closer to people who look at us like heroes or something, which we're not really. We are just good at our jobs. How good other people are at their jobs ».
« But in the end, I will always say what I feel. I don't care if some people take it as arrogance. I can still sleep at night. But I think people love me for that reason » he ends on this subject.
Crutchlow: “I told Yamaha that my main goal is to take Willow to school”
Although Crutchlow remains involved in the MotoGP thanks to his new role as test pilot at Yamaha , it is clear that his priorities in life have changed: “ my main goal is to take Willow, my daughter, to school. I already tried to plan with Yamaha that I won't do tests when she goes to school for the first time " did he declare. “ It's an important thing to me and I think, honestly speaking, that I stopped at the right time ».
« What I won't miss, and that's why I made my decision, are things like travel and the political nature of racing. I've been dealing with it for a long time, I think I've done a good job managing it as best as possible, but you can't manage what happens between drivers, rules, etc... I won't regret this part . But maybe I don't like sticking to the rules! ».
However, he will still have some regrets: “ I will miss the competition and my friends in the paddock, Jack Miller and Sammy Lowes.. We are very, very close friends. I pass the baton to Jack, on the straight line side, and to Sammy, on the hard line side, the one assigned to the one who rides when he is injured. I told him to hold on to Portimao and he did. That's all we could ask for. I can't wait to see them both, but I'm going to miss them week after week ».
But not only … " And also my teams. I had three big teams: Tech3, Ducati, LCR, that I worked with. When the whole Tech3 team came to see me on the starting grid it was always a nice moment, and obviously working with Beefy Bourguignon over the years too and I will remain friends with him and all of them ».
The cancellation of the tests Sepang means that Crutchlow is now set to make his debut as a Yamaha test rider at Qatar in March. Appearances in the wild-card race are also possible, but have yet to be confirmed.
