MotoGP, Lucio Cecchinello, LCR Honda: “Cal Crutchlow is a character who defends his territory”

At the start of the year, Honda is looking at its LCR satellite team with interest and affection. And for good reason: he is the one who has the only driver fast and valid enough to work on the new RC213V. Marc Márquez is not at his best, Nakagami is on a different pace and just as diminished while Álex Márquez is only starting out in MotoGP. The boss is Lucio Cecchinello who has to harmonize everything, including in his stand where the atmosphere between the English and the Japanese is quite cold. The Italian explains how he manages…

MotoGP riders have a strong character which is very useful for them to control their surface-to-surface missile or to recover at lightning speed from the slightest fall. But every medal has its downside so that, on a daily basis, we must also live with this uncompromising approach to life. Among the drivers in the category, Cal Crutchlow is known as being one of the most complete. His outspokenness reinforces this reputation. And Cecchinello must deal with it! Especially since there is a cold between the teammates…

« At one point the previous year, they were on the track together during a test session ", remember Cecchinello. " Then one cut the gas, then the other. Not necessarily because the teammate was behind. It was a personal matter, they accused each other of destroying the other's trick. Since that day, they have no longer maintained the good relations that existed until then. It is my duty to ensure the best possible atmosphere between the two teams and the two drivers. »

« I know what Cal meant when he claimed that Taka didn't deserve a factory machine for 2020. Because Cal himself was on the podium several times before getting a factory Honda on our team satellite. He therefore wanted to clarify that Taka also had to get on the podium and that a single fifth place was not enough. I understand Cal's opinion, but you also know that it is more difficult for a customer team driver to reach the podium today. »

« It must be taken into account that most MotoGP riders have a strong personality, otherwise they would not be the right person for this job », explains the Italian on speedweek. " I think Cal also wanted to defend his territory and his leadership a little. It's human. It's normal. Cal has an unusual personality. But I think it's a quality because he says what he thinks. Sometimes we agree, sometimes we don't. But it is okay. »

At the end of the three days of testing in Sepang, Cal Crutchlow ranked second and Nakagami 22^e, the Japanese regretting an operated shoulder that is still weak.