Cal Crutchlow will head into his home Grand Prix at Silverstone this weekend with a freshly signed one-year contract extension, which will see him remain with his satellite LCR Honda team until the end of 2020.
Ahead of the weekend, Crutchlow was in the pre-event press conference and spoke about his contract extension as well as the risk the unpredictable weather poses for the race.
“First of all its great to come to Silverstone and, as you said, make the announcement today. Why not? No better way to be able to share out the good news from HRC and from the LCR Honda team,” said Crutchlow.
“They’ve supported me for the past 3 years and will continue for the next 2 … I’m really looking forward to it and we’ve had a good run of late, most of our races have been strong. I feel good on the bike and the team are working very well, I look forward to the home GP.
“Hopefully it will be a good weekend, as everyone said the weather looks a bit iffy so we’ll see how it is and see how we can manage the situation. I think tomorrow is going to be crucial, if it’s dry for most of the day, to see if we can get a set up in case its dry for the race on Sunday, but I feel confident and comfortable around this track. I have done for the last few years and hopefully we can have a good race on Sunday.”
Crutchlow was also asked whether his recent contract extension will contain a clause for further technical support from LCR Honda. In the past, Crutchlow has expressed some annoyance at the fact he hasn’t received parts as quickly as the riders in the factory team.
“I have great support anyway. I don’t complain about the support that I get from Honda and the team, if they give me a great bike on which to be competitive week in week out,” replied Crutchlow.
“Sometimes as you know there is an order which you will get the parts in. If the parts are available then I will get them. Overall, my package is a very good one and its possible to win on that package.”
Crutchlow was on the front row for the race in 2017 but just missed out on a podium, finishing in fourth place. He has a good record at the track, with his best result a second place podium finish in 2016 after starting from pole position. With one win already this year in Argentina and two strong top five results recently, he will be going for the win on Sunday in front of his home crowd.