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Cal Crutchlow says he’s ready to accept whatever the future brings for him as he continues to wait for news on his own 2021 plans.
And he remains adamant that while retirement might be on the table, he wants to race in MotoGP next season.
There is only one spot remaining on the 2021 grid that Crutchlow could potentially slot into, at Aprilia – but while the Noale factory continues to support Andrea Iannone in his appeal against a doping ban, theoretical first-choice replacement rider Crutchlow can’t put pen to paper.
The 34-year-old is philosophical about this situation, though, admitting that he’s prepared to accept whatever happens now after months of delays waiting to find out if Iannone will be allowed to ride or not when the season starts.
“I have to look at the whole situation, and I think I’m in a good situation,” he said to the media ahead of this weekend’s Teruel Grand Prix. “I’m in a good situation with my life, I’ve done everything I can in MotoGP, and I’ve given my best every time I get on the bike.
“If I stopped now, I’d be happy with what I’ve done, because I’ve left nothing on the table – I’ve given 100%. I haven’t won a world title, but I’ve given everything.
“Of course I still want to race because I still want to be competitive, and if there is an option available I will look at that.
“But at the moment, there isn’t an option available. I think Aprilia are doing a great job, they’ll continue to grow their project and they have a great leader with Massimo Rivola and a great rider with Aleix Espargaro. They’re improving every year and it is absolutely something I’d look at.”
‘Nothing wrong’ with Alex Marquez demotion
Crutchlow also says that he believes that Repsol Honda team bosses “acted on instinct” earlier this year when they moved to replace Alex Marquez before the delayed 2020 MotoGP season had even started.
Since the action finally got underway, Marquez has steadily improved, culminating in back-to-back second places at the last two rounds in Le Mans and Aragon, causing much speculation about whether or not Honda moved too early in signing Pol Espargaro to replace him and demoting the reigning Moto2 world champion to satellite team LCR.
“I think that Honda jumped on their instincts; they used what they know about the championship and I don’t think there’s anything wrong with the move. Alex clearly deserves to be in MotoGP and deserves now to be in the team he’s in,” said Crutchlow.
“But he’s on a Honda contract for next year and he’ll get a factory bike for next year. My team is a very good team and he’ll do just as well in either team. Of course the resources won’t be the same, but I’m sure he’s not going to worry about resources!”
Crutchlow was also full of praise for current team-mate Taka Nakagami, who today announced a new two-year deal with Japan that will finally see him getting full-factory equipment for 2021.
This will mark the first time that Honda has provided both satellite riders with the latest spec of bike.
“We knew that Taka was going to sign again for Honda and hopefully he’s got a good deal for next year because he’s done a good job this year,” said Crutchlow.
“In saying that, he’s still not a podium finisher. He’s been riding very well, there’s no doubt about that, and maybe he can be a podium finisher this weekend.”
