Marco Bezzecchi
Cal Crutchlow will race with LCR Honda at the Hungarian Grand Prix after suffering muscle issues at Mugello. He could even be in the seat for future races.
The British rider stood in for Johann Zarco at the Italian Grand Prix, with the Frenchman being ruled out for a significant period after his crash in Catalunya.
Crutchlow initially said no to LCR, but changed his mind and took part in his first MotoGP weekend since 2023. He finished 19th in the Sprint and retired from the Grand Prix after suffering from arm pump, leaving doubts as to whether he would return.
LCR plan to keep Cal Crutchlow until Johann Zarco returns from injury
Crutchlow admitted he was ‘mad’ to return to MotoGP, and he is not done yet in 2026. LCR have confirmed that he will be back for the Hungarian Grand Prix this weekend, and that might not be his last race.
Speaking via Motociclismo, journalist Borja Gonzalez revealed that LCR boss Lucio Cecchinello plans to keep the Brit on the bike until Zarco recovers from injury. His return date is still unknown.
Gonzalez said: “I think the original idea, or the rough plan he has in mind, LCR, Cecchinello, is to try and keep him in the remaining races until Zarco returns and try to do with him…
What did you make of Cal Crutchlow’s return at Mugello?
He didn't reach the chequered flag in Sunday's race
“Well, let’s not get the wrong idea, ride the bike around, that is, make sure the bike is seen, that it has a presence, because a bike that’s just standing there doesn’t have a presence.
“Then there are lots of sponsors who are putting money in and need to do so, and then he’ll gradually get the hang of it.
“The same thing I said, or that Marc said about this circuit applies to Crutchlow. If it’s not the best place to return to with Marc’s injury, I don’t think it’s the best place to return to after being out of action for so long either.”
READ MORE: Everything to know about LCR from the MotoGP team’s riders to Honda ties
Who’s going to win the Hungarian Grand Prix?
Are LCR making the right choice by keeping Cal Crutchlow?
Crutchlow’s sudden return to MotoGP is the result of Honda’s lack of available reserve riders. Aleix Espargaro is injured, while Takaaki Nakagami has ruled himself out of contention, as he looks to prioritise his development efforts with the 2027 bike.
Having the second bike on track and collecting data will be LCR’s main priority. However, while understandable due to his time away from MotoGP, Crutchlow’s pace deficit certainly leaves something to be desired.
Honda should use Jake Dixon as their reserve option, as he is currently active in Grand Prix racing in WSBK. They do have a clause to bring him to MotoGP if needed.
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