MotoGP: Crutchlow leads calls for Silverstone resurfacing

Cal Crutchlow has reiterated calls to resurface the Silverstone circuit after the first day of practice for this year’s British Grand Prix, with a number of riders complaining the track is bumpier than ever before.

The 3.194-mile Northamptonshire circuit is notorious for being bumpy, but numerous MotoGP riders have today hit out at them being more prolific this year. 

Crutchlow, who set the third-fastest time of the day in the afternoon session, has said even though the Michelin tyres don’t absorb the bumps quite as well as the previous Bridgestones, the condition of the circuit is also worse to further exacerbate the issue.

“The bumps are really bad,” the Brit told journalists at the circuit. “The track is a lot bumpier this year than last year. We know they are worse with the Michelins, as even though they are softer they don’t go over the bumps as well. Last year we could maybe brake later and not go over them as fast, but they are bigger too. The surface is shinier. We want the place resurfaced and we’ve wanted it resurfaced for the last five years but it’s difficult to try and convince them. I’m sure we’ll all be pushing in the safety commission tonight.”

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He is not alone in criticising the bumpy circuit, with Marc Marquez and Scott Redding agreeing the circuit is bumpier than before.  

While Crutchlow was third fastest and quickest Honda on the opening day, Crutchlow is convinced Marquez could have gone faster had he used the same tyre combination towards the end of the second session. 

“I used a different tyre today to the other Honda riders, I’m sure Marc would have been faster had he used the harder front. I put a soft rear in at the end of the session to get a good time just in case it rains in the morning, I was already 11^th in FP1 so I can’t afford to risk being out of the top ten when I don’t need to be. I’m not struggling, I was outside this morning because we were trying something.” 

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