WithU Yamaha RNF’s Cal Crutchlow topped the MotoGP action on Friday afternoon in mixed conditions at Sepang Circuit. With rain hitting the Malaysian track during the Moto2 second session, and a subsequent hour-long delay, the final premier class practice kicked off later than planned and on a wet track.
Growing in confidence as the track conditions improved, Crutchlow was one of the first out on slicks as he circulated sixth with 15 minutes to go before repeatedly taking charge of the timesheets.
His third commanding effort - a 2’05.710 - topped FP2 outright and by almost a full second as the chequered flag dropped with championship leader Pecco Bagnaia his closest challenger.
The morning’s opening practice held the best conditions, despite the searing heat and humidity, with the 36-year-old utilising the 45 minutes to review multiple set-up changes on his M1.