Jorge Lorenzo definitely takes the fact that Yamaha preferred Cal Crutchlow for the position of test rider very badly. This, a priori, on the basis of a test decided on the spot on the selective and unknown Portiamo route with a 1 M2019. Por Fuera showed up unprepared and his performance was evaluated as disappointing. Even if, in a masterly politically correct manner, the drivers currently competing in the Portuguese Grand Prix of the tuning fork brand thanked this work which would have provided them with at least a basis... But that's how it is, Jorge Lorenzo lost his job. He attacked Crutchlow when he learned that it was the Englishman who would take over. The latter responded in his own way. Which pushed the five-time World Champion to further fuel the controversy…
« Taking Crutchlow in my place is choosing to prefer bronze to gold ". It is in these terms that Jorge Lorenzo commented on his replacement as test driver Yamaha by Cal Crutchlow. An evaluation not to the advantage of the person leaving Honda at the end of Portuguese Grand Prix this Sunday. Of Portimao, he replied: “ In the end, I really have nothing to say to him ", Cal begins, " he feels what he feels. I fully respect him as a driver, being a five-time world champion, as he always remembers. He's an incredible rider and very, very special on motorcycles, but that doesn't mean he's also a great test rider. That's all I'm saying. I think we need to take some of the things he says with a little common sense and move on ».
But he still adds: “ I'm sure what he said hurt him more than it hurt me. I give his words due weight, because they come from someone who says all kinds of things about everyone. Finally, he doesn't touch me, I'm happy, I have things to do, I have family and friends. Of course, he is bored at home ».
“Saying I'm not a good tester is like saying the Earth is square”
End of the story ? Nay, Jorge Lorenzo add another layer: “ I can already assure Cal that my life is not boring at all and what I can also tell him is that saying I'm not a good tester is like saying the Earth is square », gets angry Por Fuera on AS. He adds: “ the engineers and riders who have worked with me, both at Yamaha and Ducati, know my ability to make a motorcycle faster and faster ».
« And they say it. Even Crutchlow said it in his time that he was paying attention to me to go faster with the Yamaha, or Pol Espargaró when I was at Yamaha, who looked at my telemetry. Today Quartararo and Morbidelli said they were looking at me. Bagnaia took my data and tried to copy my style. Zarco also said this. Many riders said they looked at me for tuning and riding ».
« The numbers don't lie, becauseSince leaving Yamaha and Ducati, the victories have gradually decreased in both cases. This is not an opinion, it is a fact. Since 2016 at Yamaha and 2018 at Ducati, they have won fewer victories each year. There is a reason ».
Another direct message to Crutchlow de Lorenzo ? Here it is : " figures indicate that over the past ten years, he was one of the pilots with the fewest victories and the most crashes. This is data. I think he may be an excellent tester, but perhaps to check the resistance of parts rather than to evolve the bike. For falls, he was number one. Now by the results it differs a lot ». Jorge LorenzIt’s definitely hard to turn the page…
