Cal Crutchlow will race his home British Grand Prix at Silverstone on 7-9 August, continuing his surprise season as LCR Honda's stand-in for the injured Johann Zarco. The 40-year-old three-time MotoGP race winner was called up by his former team after Zarco's heavy crash at the Catalan Grand Prix in May, and with the Frenchman not expected to be fit before September, Crutchlow now prepares for a homecoming he never expected.
Crutchlow retired from full-time racing at the end of 2020 and spent the following years as a Yamaha test rider. His only previous Silverstone appearance since then came in 2021, when he filled in for Maverick Vinales at the factory Yamaha team, and his most recent MotoGP outing before this season was at the 2023 Japanese round. Since returning with LCR from Mugello, he has contested four Grands Prix in Hungary, Czechia, the Netherlands and Germany without scoring, with a best result of 16th at both Balaton Park and Assen and retirements at Mugello and the Sachsenring.
His presence on the grid carries added meaning: Crutchlow will be the only British rider in the premier class at Silverstone, and the first Briton to line up for the British Grand Prix since he himself stood in there in 2021. Britain has had no full-time MotoGP rider since his retirement.
“ Racing at Silverstone is always something special,” Crutchlow said. “Every home Grand Prix means a little bit more because you know there are so many fans, and it’s a great feeling to race in front of them. The atmosphere is incredible, and that extra support gives you additional motivation.”
“Silverstone is one of the most enjoyable and technical tracks on the calendar, and I’ve had some really nice memories there over the years. I’m excited to be back this year!”
Silverstone chief executive Stuart Pringle welcomed the return, noting that the British Grand Prix has produced 11 different winners in as many years. “We’re thrilled that Cal Crutchlow will once again be racing in front of his home crowd.” Pringle said, adding that the weekend will also feature Bradley Smith as a wildcard entrant in the new Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup. “We can’t wait to welcome the Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup to Silverstone for the very first time, not least as there is also British interest in that race with ex- MotoGP star, Bradley Smith, enjoying a wildcard entry,” Pringle confirmed.
With points the realistic target, Crutchlow can expect fervent support regardless of the result. He shares the LCR garage with Brazilian rookie Diogo Moreira, who sits 15th in the championship after a best finish of sixth in Hungary.
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