Could MotoGP be experiencing a generational change? You have to believe that time is doing its work in the paddock. In 2018, Dani Pedrosa hung up his titular pilot's helmet at Honda to better put the tester's leather in favor of KTM. In 2019, Jorge Lorenzo ended 18 years of competition and is considering testing for Yamaha. We know the situation of quadra Valentino Rossi who will shed light on his future at the latest during his Italian Grand Prix. And there is also Cal Crutchlow, whose body is out of breath, and whose departure would break the heart of his boss Lucio Cecchinello...
Cal Crutchlow is a driver as atypical as his career is original. Supersport World Champion with Yamaha, he also did WSBK with the brand beforeHervé Poncharal with the proverbial hollow nose doesn't go looking for him to put him in his Tech3 team, then just as devoted to Iwata's cause.
It was in 2011 and the Englishman only left the French in 2013 for a short stint as an official Ducati rider in 2014. Since 2015, he has been riding a Honda, with an HRC contract. And he is therefore paid by the Tokyo firm. “ Crutchlow's commitment is paid directly by Japan ", Explain Cecchinello in statements collected by the Italian media GPOne. His departure would therefore raise questions for the LCR team regarding the recruitment of a driver that he would have to pay…
Cal Crutchlow is important for the development work on the Honda. Even if his record only has three victories, there are also 19 podiums and he is the one who gave the 750e to the manufacturer in Grand Prix. He is therefore well identified by the Japanese, and in case they forget him, the Brit remembers them with clear and frank declarations when things are not going well...
So recently during the Valencia tests where Cal did not appreciate seeing engineers leave his box to join that of the new recruit Alex Marquez. There were also, during the season, words exchanged with Michelin. A situation that Cecchinello assumes: “ sometimes he created diplomatic problems with Honda and Michelin ". But the Italian tempers: “ we received the same technical updates as Marc Márquez, but later. » A logical delay when we talk about a satellite team.
Finally, have Cal Crutchlow, it is also assuming a cost: “ the falls are coming. We have to budget between 600 and a million dollars per year for him » concludes the boss of the LCR structure who nevertheless wants to keep his phenomenon as long as possible. But Cal Crutchlow has already warned that his next goal will be to have a normal life to enjoy his role as a father, with a rested and fully able body. Who would replace him if he left? The drawing of three Grands Prix carried out by Johann zarco left a good feeling. Was it shared by Honda?
