Knee-sy does it for Cal

CRUTCHLOW GIVES BACKING TO PROTEST GESTURE

MOTOGP ace Cal Crutchlow says he’d consider taking a knee ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix.

Lewis Hamilton made the gesture ahead of the first two races of the F1 season.

Some of his fellow drivers also opted to join him in protest.

Crutchlow insists the stars of racing on two wheels are similarly ready to play their part in the fight against racism.

“We would all look at it because I’m sure all the riders would feel exactly the same,” he said.

“Of course I want to see more diversity in MotoGP.

“We have people from all different countries in MotoGP, but we don’t have any black riders.

“I’m a guy who likes to look at every walk of life and treat everyone the same – with respect and how I’d want to be treated.

“Life is about equality in everything. Black Lives Matter is a big thing now and it should be looked at and seen.

“People around the world are doing the right thing with regards to it. It’s not a tough subject to talk about, but sometimes it is hard to find the words.

“To me it doesn’t matter who you are – black or white – you’ll always get treated the same.”

Crutchlow’s five-year association with LCR Honda will end after this season.

Alex Marquez has taken his seat for the 2021 campaign. The Coventry-born star,

34, insists he’s at peace with the decision, though.

“I’ve been aware for months that the situation is changing,” he said.

“But I’m happy and content – which is normally a good thing for me going into a race weekend. If my back is against the wall it sometimes makes me ride better.” Crutchlow, who is the

FABIO QUARTARARO is aiming to convert pole into his first MotoGP race win today after smashing his own lap record at Jerez.

The Petronas Yamaha racer clocked a lap of 1min 36.705secs to take top spot but is wary of the threat posed by Marc Marquez.

“I’m really happy but we just have to see the pace from the other riders,” said Quartararo. “We saw that Marc is so fast, so we will just try to do our best.

“He’s fast in every condition so it’s difficult to fight with him.”

only British rider in the premier class, has been hotly tipped to join Aprilia. Crutchlow (below) says he still has plenty to offer and would welcome a new challenge.

“I’m competitive and fast,” he said. “It’s not like I’m riding around at the back and past my sell-by date. “It’s an exciting project at Aprilia and it’d be good to go there and potentially develop a bike.

“I think their offering is very good although we won’t know the situation for a little while. There is options which are continuing but I’m looking to stay in MotoGP.”

ZOE BURN

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