Timed assessment and the open seat
Cal Crutchlow is taking part in an evaluation run at Misano. The British rider is testing Honda bike settings. LCR’s technical chiefs are monitoring the telemetry. The 40-year-old ended his full-time racing career in 2020. Team management is tying his Italian Grand Prix entry to the outcome of this test. Honda has to fill the gap left by Johann Zarco on the grid. The French rider is waiting on major orthopaedic surgery.
The racing record and the staffing squeeze
The British rider’s CV includes three outright wins in the premier class. He spent six straight seasons with Honda’s satellite squad. He then moved into a rival development programme. A right-hand injury has put his recent racing commitments on hold. Team bosses are dealing with a severe shortage of reserve riders. Regular rider Takaaki Nakagami is focused on Honda’s future 850cc prototype. The development brief is aimed squarely at the 2027 rules. Test rider Aleix Espargaro is currently recovering from a spinal injury picked up during a session at Sepang.
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The medical file and the treatment timeline
LCR Honda has handed Johann Zarco’s medical case to surgeon Bertrand Sonnery-Cottet. The scans show major ligament damage and a fractured fibula. The treatment plan calls for the swelling in the left knee to come down before surgery. Ducati’s camp is dealing with a similar blow after Alex Marquez was ruled out. Gresini Racing has confirmed Michele Pirro as a temporary stand-in. Honda will announce its final line-up just before the opening free practice session at Mugello.
Photo by Mirco Lazzari gp / GETTY IMAGES EUROPE / Getty Images via AFP
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