In form Crutchlow predicting a “10 rider” Island battle

British rider is out to repeat his 2016 success at Phillip Island this weekend, with P4 in the Championship also on his radar

Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda Castrol) is out to try and replicate what he was able to achieve in 2016 at this weekend's Michelin Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix: secure a second victory of the season. 

A second place finish in Japan - his third rostrum of the season – sees the Briton heading into the Australian GP in good form. But, according to Crutchlow, there are 10 riders who can challenge for the win: “I think this place is one of the favourite circuits for all of us riders, and that means there are ten people with a realistic chance of taking victory here this weekend, including ourselves. The only problem with that is that after winning the MotoGP World Championship in Japan, Marc Marquez has nothing to lose.”

His P2 at the Twin Ring Motegi also propelled the number 35 further ahead of his two Independent Team Championship rivals: Johann Zarco (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) and Alma Pramac Racing’s Danilo Petrucci. 15 points is the gap back to the duo, but Crutchlow also has his eyes set on fourth place Maverick Viñales (Movistar Yamaha MotoGP) – just the seven points separating the Honda rider from the Spaniard.

“As for going for fourth in the championship, my goal was originally to finish top six, and we’re currently fifth, and although Maverick is good at these final three races we will do our best to get top four,” explained Crutchlow.

“If I never had the three DNFs that I’ve had we would be right up there. Those races are gone now, and we just have to look forward to the next race and see what it brings.”

A battle royale awaits on the Island. Can Crutchlow claim victory once more? 

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