‘Happy and proud to have worked with Cal’
Cal Crutchlow turned Lucio Cecchinello’s ultimate dream into a reality at Brno in 2016 when he claimed the team’s maiden MotoGP victory. It was a fantastic day for LCR, a fantastic day for Crutchlow, and a fantastic day for British fans who’d waited 35 years to see one of their own on the top step. He went on to add victories at Phillip Island and Argentina, and in doing so the fiery Brit helped to elevate LCR Honda to the next level in MotoGP. Straight-talking Cal formed quite the relationship with Cecchinello during the six years he spent with the team. “When I signed Cal, I remember that somebody from Ducati told me: ‘Oh, good luck’,” Cecchinello recalled. “Honestly, I never, ever had an argument with Cal. Of course, sometimes we had to discuss some things, but we always got along, and we didn’t have any problems.”
Crutchlow’s understanding of the needs and requirements of a satellite team helped LCR to push themselves up the pecking order. Being the team that provided the UK with its first winner since Barry Sheene also led to extra support here – which was evident each year at Silverstone. LCR Honda merchandise can be seen everywhere at the British GP. “This doesn’t mean it was always easy! You know Cal, when he says he doesn’t want to do it, he doesn’t! If he says no, it’s no! If he says yes, it’s yes. There’s no middle ground! But every time he had to do important thing for us, the sponsors or for Honda, he was always there. Honestly, I can only be happy and proud to have worked with Cal.”
During his six years at LCR Cal recorded three victories, 12 podiums and two pole positions.