Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda Castrol) ended the opening day at the GP Octo di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini as the leading Honda rider after finishing P3 on the combined timesheets behind the two factory Ducati machines.
However with the threat of rain looming, Crutchlow was disappointed to have to keep on going out with different tyre compounds on in both Free Practice sessions, making it difficult to find a rhythm as everyone gunned for quick times to ensure an automatic Q2 spot: “So, to be honest, it makes it very difficult for us to be able to work and do our rhythm and our stuff that we need to work on for the race because, in the sessions, everyone is throwing on different tyres at different opportunities. But we have to go with the rules."
Despite the frustration, the Brit has every reason to remain positive about the weekend - top Honda and just 0.187 from Andrea Dovizioso’s (Ducati Team) fastest time sets him up for competitive weekend: “Overall I feel good. I feel good on the bike, my team is working very well, we have a good shot to be competitive here,” said the Argentina GP winner, who admits there’s still work to do on the bike with the front end causing some issues.
“The only problem we have right now is front locking, with the front tyre. We need to address this situation – I’ve never had it here… so we need to work on that and improve, but overall we’re confident and happy in our garage.”
Attentions now turn to Saturday and qualifying – will it be wet? No one knows for sure, but what we do know is Crutchlow will be aiming for a first front row launch in Misano since 2012.