In order to fill the MotoGP grid for 2012, the
Dorna introduced a whole new “category within the category”. THE CRT, became “
Open » from 2013, are machines made up of special chassis, adapted to 1000cc four-strokes close to Superbikes. This era, now over, marked the modern history of motorcycle Grands Prix.
This episode follows the first part, published yesterday.
After a promising first year, the CRT formula continues on its merry way. The teams hardly changed compared to 2012. The title of best CRT driver became an important objective for prestigious brands like ART – Aprilia ou FTR Kawasaki.
From the start of the season, Aleix Espargaró don't be asked. Still a top ART driver, he has had a fantastic year. Overall, he is in 11th position ahead of satellite pilots! For example, it precedes Andrea Iannone, rookie at Ducati Pramac. With best results of 8th places (four in a row), Aleix once again demonstrated his immense talent for adaptation.
For his teammate Randy de Puniet, everything is less rosy. While tensions are felt internally, he cannot find his place alongside an over-performing Espargaró. However, he is normally equipped with the same equipment as the Spaniard, although our national Randy finished the season in 14th place, 57 points behind his teammate. His acrobatic return at Le Mans during the start, ultimately due to an electronic problem, will be remembered.
This year was also the last for the native of Andrésy. After 15 years of competition at the highest level, punctuated by moments of grace, Randy is temporarily hanging up his leathers. Behind him, we find the discreet Danilo Petrucci in 17th place, today a double Grand Prix winner.
The forgotten Bryan Starring, on FTR-Honda GO & Fun Gresini at Silverstone in 2013. Photo: Smudge 9000
The CRT category made it possible to discover many young people who have now been forgotten. Damian Cudlin, Blake Young, Javier del Amor et Lucas Scassa are all names forgotten by the large community of MotoGP fans. However, they too had their chance to compete against the best. For that alone, adding a low-cost subcategory was a brilliant idea.
In 2014, the CRT evolved and transformed into an Open category. In broad terms, we find the appearance of the standardized Magnetti Marelli electronic control unit – a decision which will be applied to the entire field in 2016 – as well as some additional advantages. For the factories, the number of engines drops to just five, compared to twelve per driver for the Open.
A new Frenchman appears at Avinita Racing (Open). It is Mike di Meglio, 125 2008cc world champion. However, it is indeed the inevitable Aleix Espargaró which shocks the entire planet.
Passed to NGM Forward – Yamaha, he defied the hierarchy and placed 4th during the opening round. A real tour de force, knowing that it gives back a lot of horsepower to the top drivers. His detractors were all the more disappointed in Jerez when the Spaniard pulled off another masterstroke.
To battle with Andrea Dovizioso for the majority of the race, he ultimately fell to 7th place. Definitely one of his best career races. Until now… At Netherlands, he left the GP planet speechless by taking pole position, the first of his career, in front of all the big names.
However, it must be said that Marc Márquez was not there to joke, he who had just won seven races in a row. For the eighth consecutive time, he won and even gave people the impression that he was invincible. Espargaró is still in fourth place, helped it must be said by terrible weather conditions.
On the way to a historic season, the Spaniard does not intend to stop there. Reply tomorrow, same time,
for the last part of this saga.
