Cal Crutchlow thinks a look to the past gives the answer to how the racing can improve in MotoGP.<\/p>\n
One hope for the 2027 MotoGP regulations is that they will improve the class\u2019 racing, but Cal Crutchlow thinks the answer lies in the past.<\/p>\n
MotoGP\u2019s racing had become increasingly criticised since 2023 when the enforcement of the front tyre pressure rule became more strict, with time penalties added after Sprints and grands prix for riders who were found to have run illegally low tyre pressures.<\/p>\n
The consequence for the racing was that riders would suffer with over-pressure tyres instead, made worse by following another rider, which meant overtaking became more difficult.<\/p>\n
The 2027 rules aim to improve this by removing ride height devices and reducing aerodynamics, plus the new tyre manufacturer, Pirelli, could bring a front tyre that provides performance that is more resilient to pressure changes.<\/p>\n
But Cal Crutchlow thinks the answer to MotoGP\u2019s racing problem lies in the past.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat it is at the minute is these guys can\u2019t pass each other because they\u2019re so on the limit,\u201d said Crutchlow in an interview with Crash.net\u2019s sister site Visordown.<\/p>\n
\u201cI know what would make the racing better, they just go back to the old tyre where you had to manage it.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cNow you don\u2019t have to manage it, that\u2019s why nobody can pass \u2013 everyone just goes at 100 per cent all the time.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWhereas before, 2015 to 2020, you had to manage the tyres.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m not saying it was the best rider that won, but you had to manage the race, manage the tyres, and they were more difficult to ride.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s why there were so many more passes in the race.\u201d<\/p>\n
The bike Crutchlow has in 2026, the LCR Honda vacated by Johann Zarco after his Catalunya class, is drastically different to what he started with in MotoGP in 2011, thanks to the development of aerodynamics and the introduction of ride height devices from the end of 2019.<\/p>\n
For the three-time MotoGP winner, it\u2019s the physical power required by the bikes that has changed the most from2011 to 2026.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe physicality of them,\u201d Crutchlow said. \u201cWith the aerodynamics, they\u2019ve got that much downforce the things are glued to the floor.\u00a0<\/p>\n