Crutchlow happy with testing performance
Added on Monday, February 7th, 2011 by Carole Nash Editor
Crutchlow happy with testing performance
Cal Crutchlow was satisfied with his performances in Sepang last week as he got to grips with the Yamaha M1 during the official MotoGP test.
The British rider put in the 16th fastest time combined over the three days, with only Toni Elias going slower, but claimed that he was happy with his performances given the circumstances, with a new bike and a completely new circuit.
Crutchlow finished more than 1.1 seconds behind veteran teammate Colin Edwards, but the former World Supersport champion was pleased with the consistency that he was able to show over the course of the three days.
“I am happy with the test because I am still learning so much but I was able to run a consistent pace and drop my lap times on each day,” he claimed. “I’m on a big learning curve and I wasn’t looking for pure speed.
“I’d never ridden at this track before and it is certainly a tough place to learn quickly. All the other guys have done millions of laps around here and I just need to build up my experience. I’ve got to improve in every area but I’m happy and the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team are happy too. My times are in the ballpark of those set in last year’s race and that’s pleasing considering everything is still so new for me and I wasn’t in peak physical condition because of my shoulder.
“I need to improve in the braking area and also step up my pace on the hard Bridgestone tyre, but I feel I’m getting more comfortable with the bike. I’ve been looking at loads of data and when we return later this month I’ll continue trying to adapt my style. I’m still riding the bike too much like a superbike, but I’m pleased that I’m progressing and getting faster.”
