Crutchlow on Moreira: “Give him three years, and he could be world champion”

Cal Crutchlow was in Aragon to be on hand in case comeback rider Johann Zarco ran into any problems. As this wasn’t the case, the Briton spent Friday afternoon in the commentary box with his colleagues from motoGP.com. He provided some fascinating insights. “Speed wasn’t really the problem when I came back. It was about relearning all the bits and pieces on the bike,” said Crutchlow of his experiences on the MotoGP Honda. “I had to learn how to brake again – for example, whilst leaning into a corner. It was also a different manufacturer to the bike I’d last ridden. But I was happy to be riding again.”

On how things went and a possible further comeback in the circuit, Crutchlow said: “What I managed to achieve over six race weekends was quite good – and that was six years after I retired as a regular rider. But it didn’t rekindle my passion! I knew, of course, that the stand-in role at LCR was temporary. I knew when I’d be heading home again. But test riding – yes, of course! I’m definitely open to testing for something in this area, but I’m not going round saying that I want to ride again.” Crutchlow emphasised, however: “Riding the best bikes in the best series and working with the best people – why not? That still holds true.”

Crutchlow recalled some of the reactions: “Lucio was asked why he didn’t put a young lad in as a replacement for Zarco – for example, from the Moto2 World Championship. But that’s not possible – you can’t just come in here and be fast straight away after two weeks. It might have been about a Moto2 rider, but they’re in the middle of their own season and wouldn’t want to risk ruining their career. So everything worked out well for me.”

Crutchlow on Moreira: “He’s got some kind of trick up his sleeve, but I can’t give it away”

The former Supersport World Champion also said: “Honda has made good progress. The bike’s familiar DNA is still there, but it feels different now because of the downforce. They’re making the most of all their resources at Honda at the moment. Things didn’t go quite as planned with Marini and Mir, but they had some good races too. But the 850cc Honda seems to be a good bike.”

Speaking about his short-term team-mate Diogo Moreira, Cal Crutchlow said: “He’s got talent and a good head on his shoulders. I like him – he’s a great lad. I give him three years, then he could be world champion. I’ve seen his data and noticed how he rides. He’s on a bike that’s still getting better. He’s doing a very good job of it – he’s fearless, he fights hard. He never gets flustered and is very intelligent. It was great to have him as a team-mate in the garage. Now he understands the tyres better too, and he’s no longer just a passenger on the bike. He’s strong on the brakes – he’s got some kind of trick up his sleeve, but I can’t give it away. I’ve tried it – I’ve never managed it.”