Crutchlow after a crash and penalty: “I’m an idiot – 1,000 euros for a start!”

Englishman Cal Crutchlow is standing in for the injured Johann Zarco at LCR-Honda in Brno for the third time. The twisty circuit is more than just a stretch of tarmac – ten years ago, he secured one of his three victories in the premier class at Brno. Cal Crutchlow finished both sessions at the start of the Czech Grand Prix in last place – and in each case half a second behind the slowest of the regular riders.

At the media debrief the day before, Crutchlow had suggested he would be further off the pace than he had been most recently in Hungary, but the opposite proved to be the case. The 40-year-old was never more than two seconds off the pace in either FP1 or qualifying. Crutchlow was clearly pleased with his pace: “I’ve never been faster at Brno in my entire career. Sure, it’s been years and there’s new tarmac, but I still find it extraordinary as a 40-year-old making a comeback. I’m pleased that we’re continuing to do what we set out to do: closing the gap to the front. The gap is still big – because I’m still too slow compared to many of them – but the deficit is shrinking with every session, and that gives me a sense of satisfaction.”

Trotz Sturz auf Kurs: Cal Crutchlow (LCR-Honda)

Foto: Gold and Goose

Whilst attempting to lap the 5.4 km circuit even faster than his 1:53.848, the Zarco stand-in went off the track for the first time since his return. After the crash, the Honda rider said: “I’m surprised the crash only happened at the third event. Crashes are just part of the job, and the fact that I’d gone so long without one was quite a surprise. However, I can’t quite understand the crash – which, fortunately, was only a minor one involving the front wheel. I was 1 km/h faster at that point, but 6 km/h slower than other Honda riders.”

Neither this first slip-up nor a costly lapse in concentration could dampen Crutchlow’s consistently good spirits. What had happened? “During the practice starts, I rolled off once, but then stopped again. A dangerous mistake – when someone’s right behind you and accelerates flat out immediately after you,” admitted Crutchlow.

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The FIM stewards acted in accordance with the rulebook and fined Crutchlow for an incorrectly executed practice start. The MotoGP rider responded with understanding and self-deprecating humour: “I fully support this rule – it makes perfect sense. I’m an idiot – now that start has cost me 1,000!”