Cal Crutchlow made his MotoGP shock return aboard an LCR Honda at the Italian Grand Prix last weekend, but the team will have to turn to Jake Dixon when the opportunity arises.
Crutchlow said he was ‘crazy’ to return. Three years later he returned to the sport, albeit a little behind at the back of the field, but his lap times were certainly respectable.
Struggling with a shoulder problem after the morning heat, Crutchlow was unable to finish the Grand Prix. At the time of writing, LCR have not confirmed their line-up for this weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix.
What did Cal Crutchlow do when he returned to Mugello?
He did not reach the checkered flag in Sunday’s race.
A fully fit Jake Dixon will be much quicker than Cal Crutchlow for the LCR.
Crutchlow’s return was the result of a unique set of circumstances. LCR driver Johann Zarko He could be out for a long time after a crash at the Catalan GP damaged two knee ligaments and a torn meniscus.
Normally, Honda He wants to try to nominate rider Alex Espargaro, but has been unable to find himself after breaking four vertebrae in a test crash a few months ago.
Takaki Nakagami is eligible, but has no interest in running at Mugello and prefers to focus on a non-competitive run in the 2027 Prototype.
LCR were literally out of options, so no doubt they’ll be thanking Crutchlow. But if they want a replacement who can fight for points, then they should look Dixon.
Who will win the Hungarian Grand Prix?
It was reported that after joining their World Superbike team from Moto2 Dixon’s contract offered a MotoGP clauseEffectively allowing Honda to call him in the event of an injury.
In practice, it does Dixon’s ‘substitute’ rider For the factory team and LCR. He was unavailable for Mugello due to a clash with the Aragon WSBK round.
Dixon attempted to work his way back from a preseason wrist injury last weekend, but had to sit out the past two contests due to ongoing pain.
On his return, he will have to step in with Moreira until Zarco or Espargaro return. The Brno/Assen double header later this month could be a real target, giving him more time to bounce back.
MotoGP will not necessarily be on Dixon’s mind five years after his two appearances in the championship. But if he completes his rebuild soon, he could prove his value to Honda extends beyond WSBK.
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