MotoGP | Cal Crutchlow tells our microphones about the good start to the 2018 season

One of the most positive surprises of the first part of the 2018 season MotoGP is definitely Cal Crutchlow. After having shown excellent speed peaks in past years, peppered with too many errors and little consistency in performance, the British driver seems to have made a real leap in quality, becoming a permanent presence in the top five.

Of course, there was no shortage of mistakes, and the zeros collected in Austin and Jerez weigh heavily on the economy of the classification, which found itself in command after the Termas de Rio Hondo race, in which he obtained a brilliant victory, overtaking Zarco, Rins and Miller on the treacherous asphalt of the Argentine track.

Cal, after a good start to the season you showed up in Austin as championship leader after the victory in Argentina. What changes in a driver's mind when he finds himself at the top of the standings?

“The one in Argentina was one of the most difficult races of recent years. It wasn't easy to manage the situation at all, but we left Termas with 25 points and the championship lead. In Austin I knew it would be possible to get on the podium again and I pushed hard. Unfortunately I went over the limit, but it can happen. You can't say I don't always try when I see a good opportunity."

The Tourist Trophy also starts on the Isle of Man this week, have you ever thought about taking part?

“I am often asked this question, but I always have to answer the same way: I can't because otherwise my wife would get divorced. However, the TT is certainly the most beautiful race in the world to watch. Every motorbike enthusiast, at least once in their life, should go and breathe the atmosphere that exists on the island in those days".

At Le Mans you had a bad accident. Do you think your body will be 100% fit at Mugello?

“My body is never 100%, it is impossible to maintain perfect physical shape while racing in MotoGP. If I compare my current state or to two months ago, I would say my body is now at 60% shape. Only in Qatar did I appear very close to top form. At Mugello however, I will be in good enough shape to get a good result."

The start of the 2018 season was very positive for you, you are constantly in the top five. According to your team manager Lucio Cecchinello, this leap in quality is due to the harmony that was created after four years of working with the same team, do you agree?

“Yes, I feel great at LCR. The whole team works very hard, like me. Another key to this good start to the season was the very positive winter. Even before arriving in Qatar I was convinced that I could do well and the results immediately proved me right. We scored two zeros, it's true, but the balance of the first five races is more than positive and now we're trying to close the first part of the season in the best possible way."

Or?

“I want to fight to win, that's the only reason I go out on the track. Realistically I would say that the podium is within our reach in almost every test."

This year you have a very competitive package, how do you like the 213 Honda RC2018V?

"Very good! This year's bike is very similar to the official Hondas of the HRC team. I feel very comfortable on the bike and the team also works very well. The package is actually very similar to last year, but the engine has improved a lot. We hope that the package will work as well at Mugello as in previous races."

Jorge Lorenzo seems about to abandon his Ducati saddle, would you return to the Borgo Panigale red bike?

“I already have a contract for next year with Honda. Returning to Ducati would certainly be very special, I have many friends in Bologna and everyone has always treated me very well. However, I believe that now it is completely impossible for me to return to Ducati. Also because their philosophy is to rely on riders they already have in their academy."

This year you have a new teammate, Takaaki Nakagami. According to Cecchinello, the biggest gap he has highlighted in these first races is that he takes too long to get up to speed. What suggestion would you give him to improve this aspect?

“I honestly don't know, because I have the same problem! In the first part of the race I also struggled to get into a rhythm. The fact is that we are racing against very fast drivers, who manage to lap at an impressive pace from the first laps. The advice I can give to Taka is to continue working: he is only in his first year in MotoGP, he still has a lot to learn and plenty of room for growth. Before long he will definitely start scoring podiums. He is a very capable rider and I will help him until he starts to get ahead of me."