MotoGP: Crutchlow expecting Ducati charge at Silverstone

Cal Crutchlow might be starting his home Grand Prix from pole position at Silverstone tomorrow but he’s expecting a tough race if it’s dry.

Despite continuing to re-write the history books by becoming the first Brit to take pole position in the premiere class at the British Grand Prix since Sheene in 1977, the LCR Honda has admitted he is concerned by the vast power advantage of the Ducati.

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Both Andrea Dovizioso and Andrea Iannone shown a considerable advantage through the speed trap this weekend with Dovizioso’s quickest recorded speed of 202mph some four miles an hour quicker than the quickest non-Ducati through the speed trap.

“I think we might get blasted by the Ducatis tomorrow, it’s just ridiculous now,” he said.  “The things are so fast. Marc has a good pace, Maverick has a good pace and Valentino has a good pace and can find something tomorrow morning. The Ducatis should be riding around smoking a cigarette compared to us because the thing is that fast that they are gaining three tenths on every exit onto the straights, meaning we have to ride sixth tenths faster a lap elsewhere on the track!”

His pole position marks the continuation of a run of good form for Crutchlow, having been on the podium at Sachsenring and taken victory in Brno and the Brit is quick to place credit for his progress with Honda and the LCR team.

“We are working hard and Honda are working hard. The engineers are flat out permanently; I have a good group of guys in my team. We’re giving them the information, we just try and improve as a whole team. The good thing is I’m not really a threat to Marc over the championship so that’s helpful for me, but they are working hard so I don’t think it’s just me. I’m riding better, I’m riding in a good way at the moment but I think it’s down to my team and Honda as well.” 

 

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