The LCR Honda racer Cal Crutchlow looked closer to the rider who scored a podium at this track in previous seasons (Cal ended 3rd in 2013) throughout the Italian GP second day of free practices. Unfortunately, during his fastest lap time in Q1, the Briton slipped losing the chance to improve and step into the Q2. Slight modifications to his Custom branded factory spec RC213V during the morning practice had seen the British rider consistently amongst the front group, but with a lot of traffic to contend with he was unable to secure a safe passage through to the qualifying final. Despite today’s setback (16th on the grid), Crutchlow is confident of fighting back during the 23-lap race to bring a positive result for his team’s home event.

Cal Crutchlow :
“Obviously I’m disappointed with today’s qualifying session, because the weekend so far had been going quite well and I’ve been happy with the progress we have made with the Honda as a team. We tried something different with the bike this morning and I felt comfortable, but the real shame was not going directly through to Q2. The lap I crashed on was my best so far, and probably would have put me through to the shootout, but it is the same as every week – I’m having to push the front of my bike far too much in the braking zone, and the tyre didn’t hold it. We have some ideas about what we can do tomorrow, and hopefully we can still have a good race.”

 

Results Q1 + Q2 combined:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source: motogp.com, lcr.mc