Cal Crutchlow aims to strengthen during MotoGP comeback with LCR Honda
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: May 29, 2026, 4:57 PM
Last updated May 29, 2026

Cal Crutchlow began his MotoGP comeback at the Italian Grand Prix, stepping in for the injured Johann Zarco at LCR Honda. In Friday's practice, he finished last on the timesheets, with his best lap over a second behind the leading driver. Crutchlow acknowledged a lack of physical strength as a significant limitation. His performance reflects the challenges faced after a period away from competitive racing. Moving forward, he hopes to improve his fitness and performance levels in upcoming sessions.
- •Crutchlow replaces Johann Zarco, who is injured.
- •He finished last in Friday's practice at Mugello.
- •His fastest lap was over a second slower than the competition.
- •Lack of physical strength limits his early performances.
- •He aims to improve in subsequent practice sessions.
- 4:57 PMMotorsport.com — "The bike is better than me," says Cal Crutchlow on MotoGP comeback
- 3:59 PMMotorsport.com — Why Cal Crutchlow turned down MotoGP comeback before his wife changed his mind
"Cal Crutchlow says a lack of physical strength is his number one limitation as his comeback to MotoGP racing got underway at the Italian Grand Prix on Friday. The British rider, who is stepping in to replace the injured Johann Zarco at the LCR Honda team, was last on the timesheets in the afternoon practice session at Mugello. His best lap was over a second shy of that set by fellow injury ...Keep reading
"Cal Crutchlow has revealed he initially rejected LCR’s offer to return to MotoGP at Mugello before encouragement from his wife changed his mind. Crutchlow will make his first grand prix appearance in three years at the Italian Grand Prix this weekend, standing in for the injured Johann Zarco. LCR’s options for a replacement rider were already limited when Zarco broke his knee during the ...Keep reading
Sources
External links- Motorsport.comMay 29, 2026, 4:57 PM"The bike is better than me," says Cal Crutchlow on MotoGP comeback
Cal Crutchlow says a lack of physical strength is his number one limitation as his comeback to MotoGP racing got underway at the Italian Grand Prix on Friday. The British rider, who is stepping in to replace the injured Johann Zarco at the LCR Honda team, was last on the timesheets in the afternoon practice session at Mugello. His best lap was over a second shy of that set by fellow injury ...Keep reading
- Motorsport.comMay 28, 2026, 3:59 PMWhy Cal Crutchlow turned down MotoGP comeback before his wife changed his mind
Cal Crutchlow has revealed he initially rejected LCR’s offer to return to MotoGP at Mugello before encouragement from his wife changed his mind. Crutchlow will make his first grand prix appearance in three years at the Italian Grand Prix this weekend, standing in for the injured Johann Zarco. LCR’s options for a replacement rider were already limited when Zarco broke his knee during the ...Keep reading
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