MotoGP: Cal Crutchlow to leave HRC following Alex Marquez's move to LCR Honda

Cal Crutchlow will leave LCR Honda and the HRC setup at the end of 2020 following Alex Marquez’s move to the team.

It was revealed this morning that Marquez would be replaced at Repsol Honda by Pol Espargaro next season. The move came as a shock to many, with Marquez being replaced before he’d even completed a racing lap for the factory team. It means he’ll only compete in 13 races alongside brother Marc. 

Related articles on MCN

• Grand Prix of the Americas cancelled
• Franco Morbidelli signs new Petronas Yamaha deal
• Pol Espargaro signs for HRC

HRC have chosen to keep Alex Marquez within their MotoGP project however, with the 24-year-old moving to LCR Honda. 

“I am very proud to announce my renewal with Honda Racing Corporation,” Marquez commented. “HRC gave me the opportunity to arrive in MotoGP and I am glad to join the LCR Honda Team at the end of 2020 and compete in a big team with great experience in MotoGP.

“I want to thank HRC and the LCR Honda Team for their trust in me to be able to continue in the Honda family and I will work hard to prove their confidence with results. Now, I am eager to start the season in Jerez and I am completely focused to give my best this year.”

Marquez’s move to LCR leaves Crutchlow without a ride for 2021. Despite some uncertainty surrounding his MotoGP future, the Brit had pubically stated that he wished to continue beyond 2020. A move to Aprilia is the most likely option if he is to continue racing.

During his time with HRC Crutchlow became a Grand Prix winner, picking up wins at Brno (2016), Phillip Island (2016) and Termas de Río Hondo (2018). So far, Crutchlow has 12 podiums with LCR Honda.

Today’s HRC statement reads:

“HRC would like to extend their thanks to Cal Crutchlow for his diligent and tireless work since joining HRC in 2015. With three wins and 12 podiums, the British rider has been a valuable asset on and off track – a constant source of excellent feedback for the engineers and a key part of developing the Honda RC213V in recent years. HRC wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”