Carl Crutchlow is to leave LCR Honda and the HRC prepare at the end of this season following Alex Marquez’s move to the team for next season.
“I followed Alex [Marquez] in the race, I can see where his bike is working better than our bike, and I gave that information to Honda,” Crutchlow said.
“But I also saw it in the practices over the weekend, whenever I was with another Honda it seems they’re working a little bit better in a couple of areas than my bike and we need to work on that. Now we’ve got some more information, hopefully at a different circuit we will be stronger.” Crutchlow added.
Crutchlow joined LCR Honda in 2015. During his time with LCR Honda the Briton became a Grand Prix winner, picking up wins at Brno (2016), Phillip Island (2016) and Termas de Río Hondo (2018).
When asked if he felt HRC were as close to him now, Crutchlow said: “Hesitantly, no, I don’t think they are. But that’s the reality. I think it’s difficult. If I was leading every session, I think they would be there more, which is maybe not the best way, maybe we need some help on our side of the garage.
“And don’t get me wrong, HRC are helping our guys. But, on the other hand, I work with my team and I work with my team in a good way because my team understands the bike very well.
“Beefy [Christophe Bourguignon, crew chief] has been with me for many years and has been at Honda for many years. So, the information I give to ‘Beefy’ still goes to HRC.
“We have HRC technicians in the garage, and whether the support is as much as before or not, I don’t think it really makes a difference to me going any faster or my feeling with the bike. So, they’re doing a good job, they’re listening, they’re trying hard, but it seems in the moment it’s difficult for us to improve.” Crutchlow added.
