MotoGP Valencia: Crutchlow tests wings on way to sixth row start

Cal Crutchlow combined his Yamaha test duties as he qualified his WithU RNF M1 17th at Valencia on Saturday.

Working through a raft of tyre options across the day’s two practice sessions, his YZR-M1 also got in on 2022’s ‘stegosaurus’ trend with rear wings making their presence felt from the morning action, despite the unfavourably cold conditions.

Qualifying saw the Brit circulate narrowly behind the factory Yamaha of Franky Morbidelli with the pair heading row six by the close of play on mid 1’30 pace.

“I felt okay, we had a different tyre strategy and the rear wings also, which I already tested before and know what they do,” Crutchlow said on the Valencia addition to his M1. “It was just not the right time to test because the track conditions and the temperature was not great.

“I was just a bit concerned having no weight on the front wheel at that time in the morning when the sun is low but overall I felt good today,” he continued. “Especially in FP4, probably not consistently fast enough, but it felt more okay with the bike and I think we can get some speed for tomorrow and have a good race.”