MotoGP Sepang: ‘We could have been faster’ - Crutchlow

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. He completed the session 18th in the standings and 1.7s off KTM’s Brad Binder, with a 2’01251 best.

“Today, I felt quite good overall,” Crutchlow said from Malaysia. “At the start of the session, it wasn‘t easy, the bike in that condition is not good - when the track is greasy and hot and there is some water - but afterwards, when it started to dry a little bit, the M1 started to feel really good.

“I was able to push, and then I went with the slicks and felt okay with it. I think we could have been even faster, but it was nice to be on top of a session again.

“It’s obviously great to do that here at the home GP, for the team to have something to cheer during this difficult year for them and with all the Malaysian fans and sponsors, although the session was quite irrelevant.”