Since the Italian Grand Prix, a MotoGP rider well-known to fans of the 2010s has returned to the paddocks: Cal Crutchlow, a distinguished outsider, is back in the premier class with LCR Honda. Admittedly, he's no longer at the top level, that's for sure, and it's generating a lot of discussion. Are the criticisms justified? Let's analyze.
An anachronistic MotoGP rider
In 2018, Cal Crutchlow had strongly criticized French rider Christophe Ponsson and his Ducati Avintia team, because the wildcard was far too slow compared to the restSince Cal is returning at 40, many people remind him of this episode by comparing the two cases. Of course, Crutchlow is faster than Ponsson was back then, no question about it. But in a way, I understand why his presence is problematic.
Crutchlow is at the bottom of the standings, but he's been making good progress lately. He remains one of the most outstanding drivers of the 2010s. Photo: Michelin Motorsport
The Englishman is frequently last or second-to-last in GPs, and I greatly doubt the relevance of his presence for Honda. Yes, he was developing for Yamaha a few years ago, but since then, the YZR-M1 hasn't progressed, and that was in the early 2020s.To replace Johann Zarco, one imagines that LCR Honda had other solutions, because Seeing Crutchlow again in 2026 is almost anachronistic.
We all understand that Cecchinello acted on impulse when he recalled him, as Cal was a key player for the Monegasque team from 2015 to 2020. But in the current climate of intense debate surrounding reserve drivers, it inevitably raises questions.Doesn't Rutchlow, by his mere presence, spoil a ride for a more ambitious wild-card? It's more complicated than that.
Three solutions
When a pilot is absent for an extended period, his team has three options. The first is to call upon the developer, and in this case, there are two who can take on the job within the winged firm. Takaaki Nakagami, on the one hand, and Alex EspargaroThe problem is that the Japanese team is fully focused on the development of the 850cc Honda, and Espargaro is still recovering from a big crash at Sepang. So we needed to find someone from outside the organization.
Two paths were open to Cecchinello. First, to rotate the riders, bringing in riders from Superbike, for example. This is what Yamaha Tech3 did in 2017, replacing Jonas Folger. We had the pleasure of seeing Kohta Nozane, Broc Parkes, and Michael van der Mark throughout the seasonBut this is bad timing, since both of Honda's WSBK riders are also hampered; Jake Dixon and Somkiat Chantra both suffered serious injuries at the beginning of the year.
So, there was only one solution left: to have someone ride for Zarco for the entire duration of his absence, as it was known to be a long one. LCR Honda isn't the wealthiest team, and Castrol, which only sponsors the RC213V of one rider (Moreira is directly under HRC), has to appear as the title sponsor at LCR. Therefore, they needed to find someone capable of competing in several Grands Prix, who was reliable, if possible, and who wasn't involved in a competitive environment. When you understand that, you realize that the Cal Crutchlow theory was much more likely than others!
It's worth noting that I was a big fan of his back in the Yamaha Tech3 days, but his character changed at the end of the last decade. Photo: Michelin Motorsport
Who else could have taken on this role? I'm thinking, of course, of Stefan bradlwho knows about RCV, but he's not active either. In terms of results, I doubt it would have been much more relevant. Apart from him, I don't see many other capable drivers! I'm obviously excluding the case De Puniet, 42 years old, and, for your information, lecuona now rides for Ducati in Superbike Xavi Verge for a Yamaha team. Jonathan Rhea, present and winner at the Suzuka 8 Hours for the company with the golden wing, could have done the job, but he is also 39 years old.
Cecchinello could have opted for a Japanese driver, like... Yuki Kunii or the legend of the Suzuka 8 Hours Takumi Takahashi, 36 years old and former wild-card player in MotoGPBut I get the impression that Lucio wanted to indulge himself, knowing that with the two profiles mentioned, the results would not have been any better. After all, between the 10th and 11th option, you might as well choose the one you enjoy the most..
Conclusion
In a way, I can understand why some criticize this choice from a sporting perspective. But considering the availability and potential of the riders mentioned, Crutchlow isn't such a crazy solution, especially since he did test the 2026 RCV at Misano to make sure he was fit. However, I would have liked it to rotate a bit to introduce us to a rider from the Japanese archipelago, rather than Cal monopolizing that handlebar for six consecutive races.
What is your position on this issue? Tell me in the comments!
As a reminder, this article only reflects the thoughts of its author, and not of the entire editorial team.
Perhaps they should have explored the Ryan Vickers option, HRC's BSB rider and a substitute for factory riders in WSBK at the start of the season. Photo: Ryan Vickers' Instagram
Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport
