Marco Bezzecchi
Cal Crutchlow made a shock MotoGP comeback aboard the LCR Honda at the Italian Grand Prix last weekend, but the team should turn to Jake Dixon when the opportunity arises.
Crutchlow said he was ‘mad’ to return to the sport after three years away, but his lap times were certainly respectable, even if he predictably lagged a little behind at the back of the field.
Struggling with a shoulder issue after the morning warm-up, Crutchlow wasn’t able to complete the Grand Prix. At the time of writing, LCR haven’t confirmed their line-up plans for this weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix.
What did you make of Cal Crutchlow’s return at Mugello?
He didn't reach the chequered flag in Sunday's race
A fully-fit Jake Dixon would be much quicker than Cal Crutchlow for LCR
Crutchlow’s comeback was the result of a unique set of circumstances. LCR rider Johann Zarco is likely to be out long-term after damaging two knee ligaments as well as his meniscus in his Catalan GP crash.
Ordinarily, Honda would look to test rider Aleix Espargaro to deputise, but he’s unavailable himself after breaking four vertebrae in a testing crash a couple of months ago.
Takaaki Nakagami is fit, but he wasn’t keen to race at Mugello and prefers to focus on non-competitive running with the 2027 prototype.
LCR were effectively out of options, so they will no doubt be grateful to Crutchlow. But if they want a replacement who can fight for points, then they should look at Dixon.
Who’s going to win the Hungarian Grand Prix?
After he left Moto2 to join their World Superbikes team, it was reported that Dixon’s deal featured a MotoGP clause, effectively allowing Honda to call him up in the event of an injury.
In effect, this makes Dixon a ‘substitute’ rider for the factory squad and LCR. He wouldn’t have been available for Mugello given the clash with the Aragon WSBK round.
Dixon attempted to return from a pre-season wrist injury last weekend but had to withdraw from the last two races due to ongoing pain.
Once he is back fit, he should slot in alongside Moreira until such a point that Zarco or Espargaro can return. The Brno/Assen double-header at the end of this month could be a realistic target, allowing him more time to return.
Five years on from his only two appearances in the championship, MotoGP won’t necessarily be on Dixon’s mind right now. But, provided he can complete his rehabilitation soon, he can show that his value to Honda extends beyond WSBK.
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