After his stunning Termas victory, the Brit follows in the footsteps of the legendary World Champion. Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda Castrol) didn't put a wheel wrong as he stormed to his third MotoGP™ win at the Gran Premio Motul de la Republica Argentina, beating Johann Zarco (Monster Yamaha Tech 3), Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) and close friend Jack Miller (Alma Pramac Racing) in a race that will live long in the memory.
This victory didn't come as a surprise for the 32-year-old or his LCR Honda team though, knowing that when they came to Termas de Rio Hondo he could – at least – finish on the podium.
“I knew it was going to be a good race today, no matter what” said Crutchlow. “I felt I played my cards very well because I didn’t need to take any risk. I didn’t want to take any risk on the wet patch, and I saw a lot of riders take a risk on the wet patch, and I felt very good with the momentum I had. I pounced when I needed to pounce, it's as simple as that.”
The win propelled the number 35 to the top of the World Championship, which he now leads by three points from former teammate Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team), who salvaged a sixth-place finish following a difficult weekend for the Bologne outfit.
This now means the former World Supersport champion becomes the first British rider to lead the premier class World Championship since Barry Sheene, back in 1979. This adds to the acclaimed list of achievements Crutchlow has been the first to repeat since Sheene, including Britain's first MotoGP™ win in 35 years at Brno in 2016.
Now, the LCR Honda rider will aim to get a good result on a track that has favored the Hondas in the past, particularly that of Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team), when they head to the Circuit of The Americas in two weeks time.
Can the Brit cement his Championship lead in the Lone Star State? Find out when the MotoGP™ bikes rev back into life in Austin.
Words and Photos by motogp.com