Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda) had only one previous front row start in 2016 before Phillip Island, as he was on pole for the British GP at Silverstone. Taking another in Australia sees the LCR Honda rider start P2, but disappointed to have not challenged fully for pole after deciding to head out on slicks and then changing his mind to go out on a front intermediate and rear slick – as Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) stayed true to the gamble, and took pole.
Cal Crutchlow (P2): “We’re a little bit disappointed. I think I could have stolen pole today if I’d made the right decision. After Q1 I said “let’s go with slicks”, and then changed my mind, and in the end that was the wrong decision. But Marc did a great lap. It’s been hard all weekend, but with extra time on track in Q1 I had more experience of the wet and dry – but I shouldn’t have been there really because I chose the wrong tyres at the wrong time in FP3! Tomorrow will be a long race, and if we can get a good 30 minutes in in the morning to work on setup, it’ll be better for everyone.”