CAL CRUTCHLOW SAYS MOTO GP HAS BECOME MORE EXHAUSTING FOR RIDERS AS THE CALENDAR TIGHTENS

Cal Crutchlow was back in the MotoGP paddock in Aragón, attending as a precaution after Johann Zarco’s return—ready to step in if Zarco encountered any issues. The 40-year-old Brit most recently rode as a substitute for Zarco at LCR Honda, and Speedweek notes that with the team he produced his fastest ever lap in Silverstone. Crutchlow has also been a regular race presence, having made six race starts with LCR Honda.

On Friday afternoon in Aragón, Crutchlow appeared as a co-commentator on MotoGP.com’s stream. Speaking about how the series has evolved since his own time as a regular, he said the overall level is now extremely tight: “The level is now like this—feels like about 15 riders are on the same level. Back then, five guys were right at the front, then the others came, and then the rest.”

Crutchlow also reflected on MotoGP’s growth from a fan’s perspective, praising the way the sport has expanded under Dorna and Liberty. “It’s great to watch the MotoGP races as a fan,” he said, adding that he watches at home like most people around the world. He singled out the entertainment and visibility created through social media content, calling it “exceptional.” However, he stressed that the same developments can be a nightmare for the riders themselves: “It’s the nightmare for all the riders.”

From the rider side, Crutchlow pointed to the relentless schedule and reduced opportunities to work. “The athletes don’t have time anymore,” he said. “The riders can give less input because everything is so tightly scheduled, and the riders don’t have time anymore to be in the garage. There are commitments—then there’s rehab, because we have 44 races. It’s simply not enough time.”

He described how even sessions that used to be useful for preparation can be compromised. “I don’t want to say they have problems, but it’s harder. It’s just much more tiring than before,” Crutchlow said, adding that during warm-up “you can’t even activate the tyre.” Still, he acknowledged the upside: “It’s better than nothing. But it’s the same for all riders, and they have to get the best out of it.”

When asked about the championship picture, Crutchlow suggested that Marc Márquez remains the benchmark but is not operating at full capacity. “Marc is still the best rider—but he’s struggling,” he said. “He will go into this championship in the next races like an endurance race and only attack when he has to. He will try not to have a really bad weekend, like it will happen to the other guys for sure.”

Crutchlow also offered a view on what kind of rider is most likely to take the title, arguing that consistency across the whole season may matter more than raw race-winning frequency. “If you ask me, I would say after Marc, Ai Ogura is my favourite,” he said. He explained why, comparing it to Dani Pedrosa’s characteristics: “It’s like it was back then with Dani Pedrosa and the weight. He doesn’t burn the tyre immediately, so he has more reserve at the back. But then he can’t push fully at the beginning. Hot races are also better for him.”

He added that the championship may not be won by the rider who takes the most wins, noting that many riders have already missed races: “I think it won’t be the world champion who wins the most races. Almost all riders have already missed races. It’s a crazy championship.” He singled out Jorge Martín as the only rider who has looked “more or less constant” so far, saying that otherwise Martín had often lacked consistency.

Finally, Crutchlow couldn’t resist a joke about Lucio Cecchinello. “Lucio Cecchinello seems to have aged backwards,” he said. “He looks better now than back then when I rode for him. Maybe I’m really the one to blame.”