Crutchlow: Gentle Pedrosa style wouldn't suit Honda MotoGP test role
Cal Crutchlow believes the retiring Dani Pedrosa would not make a good test rider for the Honda MotoGP squad
Pedrosa will bring his 13-year MotoGP career to an end later this year, but has received offers to become a test rider in 2019 from both Honda and KTM.
But satellite LCR rider Crutchlow, who has similar specification machinery to factory Honda riders Marc Marquez and Pedrosa and is involved in the RC213V bike's development, said Pedrosa's riding style is too peculiar for testing work.
"Dani is a fantastic rider, he's won 30 races or something in MotoGP, but he's a very special rider," said Crutchlow.
"He's not a very neutral rider. He is so gentle with the throttle, so gentle with the brake, which is not how most people ride.
"Marc's special because of what he can do on the bike, nobody else can do it, [but] the way Dani rides is very special [too].
"They need someone who is a lot more neutral, like Stefan [Bradl]. Stefan does a good job as a test rider because he's a neutral rider.
"I think the information he gives, or the data they can read from him riding, is more of a normal rider."
Crutchlow described current Honda tester Bradl as a "madman" after the German ended his wildcard outing in Brno earlier this month by crashing into both Maverick Vinales and Bradley Smith on the opening lap.
But Crutchlow insisted that did not mean he doubted Bradl's abilities.
"I don't think he's a bad test rider, I never said that, I said he was a madman in the [Brno] race," Crutchlow added.
"My criticism was not against his test riding at all, or against his ability, because his ability is Moto2 champion and podium finisher in MotoGP.
"But he was a madman in the race, complete madman."
Pedrosa recently told Autosport that accepting any test rider duties next season would "depend on my motivation".
Previous article
Aprilia MotoGP team 'still suffering consequences' of Lowes deal
Next article
Loris Baz back to MotoGP as Pol Espargaro's KTM stand-in
About this article
| Series | MotoGP |
| Drivers | Dani Pedrosa , Cal Crutchlow |
| Teams | AB Motoracing |
| Author | David Gruz |
Marc Marquez is back
MotoGP Starting Grid: Portugal Grand Prix
MotoGP Starting Grid: Doha Grand Prix
Marc Márquez's first ride after his injury
Marc Marquez continues his recovery
How Jerez underlined MotoGP's speed problem
The brutal nature of a series of crashes at Jerez has reopened the debate about whether current MotoGP speeds are beyond the safety limits of the tracks. But even if riders are supportive of the move, getting the manufacturers to find a consensus on how speed reductions should be achieved may be altogether harder
How a Crutchlow helped Miller to Jerez MotoGP redemption
Jack Miller’s tough start to life as a factory Ducati MotoGP rider left him mentally battered and bruised, but a pep talk and positive reinforcement from a surprising source aided the Australian to show his full potential with victory at the Spanish Grand Prix
What does Marc Marquez have to do to get back to his best?
Following his resounding MotoGP return with a seventh place finish in Portugal, Marc Marquez now must work to rediscover his best form before turning his attention towards results-based targets
How Yamaha’s rookie-spec MotoGP star is taking charge
Fabio Quartararo is on a roll in 2021, having stormed to victory at a venue where he last year served up one of his worst races. Contrasting Portuguese GPs for Yamaha’s factory duo make it hard to understand just how good its 2021 MotoGP bike is, but the Portimao weekend has revealed one key improvement compared to 2020
The hurdles Marquez faces next in his Portugal MotoGP return
Even by Marc Marquez’s own high standards, his MotoGP comeback on Friday at the Portuguese Grand Prix will be considered a success even if he didn’t top the times. But having shown competitive pace on his first day back, both Marquez and his rivals know plenty more challenges are to come
Where does Honda's new MotoGP signing sit ahead of its king's return?
Pol Espargaro’s first results as a Honda MotoGP rider may not appear special. But dig a little deeper and a clearer picture of his performance emerges. And, as Lewis Duncan writes, it’s cause for celebration at Honda with the return of Marc Marquez set to provide Espargaro with the reference he has been missing so far this year
The "pit bull" MotoGP rookie already drawing legendary comparisons
MotoGP’s 2021 rookie crop is one of the strongest in recent years, but one is already standing out. Jorge Martin’s Doha GP heroics have courted many to compare him to numerous MotoGP legends. Autosport spoke to Pramac boss Francesco Guidotti to find out why MotoGP’s latest Spanish star is already making such an impact
Why MotoGP's stewards must revisit Miller and Mir's Losail clash
Despite Suzuki’s decision not to appeal against Race Direction’s refusal to penalise Jack Miller following the incident with Joan Mir in Losail, something must be done to avoid a repeat of such an incident, which could have easily ended in tragedy
