Japanese GP – Crutchlow (2nd): "Dovizioso slowed down"

Cal Crutchlow, second in the Japanese GP behind Marc Marquez, takes his third podium of the 2018 MotoGP season on his employer’s land. The Honda-LCR rider consolidates his status as the first independent rider in the provisional to the detriment of Johann Zarco… Debriefing.

Cal Crutchlow, Honda-LCR (4th in qualifying and 2nd in race) : "Everyone saw a great battle today. We are delighted with this result for Honda’s home race: the team did a fantastic job. The problem is that ‘Dovi’ has slowed down, which allowed the riders behind to be able to come back. I think we managed the situation very well despite everything. ".

• Japanese GP 2018 :
• MNC special file : 

“I was having a little trouble with the left side of the rear tire so I tried to save it for the end of the race while keeping Alex Rins at bay. That’s all I had to do. Dovi crashed, I got second place and I’m obviously very happy about it! We’ve had some good results recently and we’re now heading to Phillip Island in good shape. ".

Site analysis: Cal Crutchlow was very urgent at the start of the race, to the point of passing Marc Marquez for a short time to follow in the wake of leader Andrea Dovizioso. The only driver able to join in the fight between the two rivals for the title, the n ° 35 then fell into line to manage the wear of his rear tire..

Like his pursuers, Crutchlow actually took advantage of the chaotic rhythm set by the leading man: Dovizioso’s lap times varied by one second (!) In the space of a few laps, from 1’45.790 in the 6th loop to 1’46.590 in the 10th and 1’46.700 in the 14th lap. Before dropping back below 1’46 (1’45.946) on the 16th lap…

This irregular and not very frenetic pace suggests that "Dovi" had plenty to prepare for the final fight with Marquez, a scenario which has already occurred in previous races. Crutchlow actually played the yoyo based on the acceleration and deceleration of the leading pair, while trying to contain the return of the Suzuki.

At the end of the race, the horizon suddenly cleared up in front of and behind n ° 35: Andrea Iannone fell while he was whipping hard in fourth place, then Andrea Dovizioso made a mistake trying to keep up with Score in the penultimate lap !

Cal Crutchlow, finally second behind the, takes his second podium in four races after his third place obtained in San Marino (Italy). The Briton is fifth in the provisional and first private driver with 148 points scored, 15 more than Zarco and Petrucci who are tied with 133 units.

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