Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda) was one of only a few riders to choose the harder option rain tyres on the grid for the German GP. His experience in Assen and in Warm Up proved these were the only tyres he could use, even if the start of the race was going to be tough. His prediction proved right and the Brit spent the first nine laps outside the top ten. But once he found his rhythm and the tyres came into their own he flew and rapidly closed down the riders battling for victory. As the track dried Crutchlow got faster and was soon harassing Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team) and Valentino Rossi (Movistar Yamaha MotoGP) for the lead.
"I was fast even in the dry, I told everyone I was the fourth fastest guy and I was correct. For those that were watching from home and not believing me, I proved that. "Eventually the track became too dry and four of the leading five riders dipped into the pits on lap 24. His swap proved too late and ruled him out of victory, but with slicks fitted he was able to get back in the podium battle and pass both Andrea Iannone (Ducati Team) and Scott Redding (Octo Pramac Yakhnich) who had swapped to intermediate tyres much earlier. 9.857 seconds after Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team), Cal Crutchlow crossed the line and returned to the podium for the first time since the 2015 Argentina GP. Second place matches Crutchlow’s best MotoGP™ finishes, achieved at the French and German GPs in 2013. The Brit heads into the summer break expecting a baby with his wife.
Cal Crutchlow: “I was fast even in the dry, I told everyone I was the fourth fastest guy and I was correct. For those that were watching from home and not believing me I proved that. 13th on the grid I knew it had to be a long race so I went for the harder option front tyre. I don’t think many others had the balls to do it because in the first laps it wasn’t dangerous, but was tough to manage with the Honda. I knew I would get quicker and as in Assen it was about keeping your head focused. I pitted way too late, I didn’t look at my board for one lap.
“I followed the guys in front and I caught Vale, I caught Dovi who was leading and I didn’t think anybody could beat us even if we stayed out so I took the gamble. I probably should have stayed out, even if I stayed out I would have been in a good position but thanks to my team. The team have done a great job, I’m disappointed not to have my wife here, it’s the second race in nine years she’s not been to. Disappointing not to have her here but she’s at home keeping our little baby warm in the belly and it’s coming out soon, looking forward to that!”