Injured Cal Crutchlow to be replaced by Stefan Bradl at LCR in MotoGP
Stefan Bradl will step in to replace the injured Cal Crutchlow at the Malaysian Grand Prix for the LCR Honda MotoGP team
Bradl quickly emerged as the likely replacement for Crutchlow after it became clear his Phillip Island shunt is set to sideline him for the remainder of the current MotoGP season.
The team has now confirmed that the German will take over Crutchlow's bike, however at this stage the announcement only covers next weekend's Malaysian Grand Prix.
The deal marks a return to the LCR fold for Bradl, who spent three seasons with the squad between 2012 and 2014.
He's also been an injury sub this year already, having replaced Franco Morbidelli at Marc VDS in Germany along with wildcard appearances at Brno and Misano.
"Obviously we are very disappointed about Cal's crash in Friday's FP2 session and the resulting fracture of the right ankle," said LCR boss Lucio Cecchinello.
"But this is part of racing and we must accept it even if we do not like it.
"Cal's orthopaedic problem will be successfully fixed in few weeks. The whole team wish him a very speed recovery and in the meantime we move to Malaysia for the penultimate round of the season with another LCR former racer.
"Stefan raced in LCR colours for three years [pictured in 2012] in the premier class and we know all about his remarkable skills and undeniable talent. We are happy to be back in the garage together."
LCR also confirmed that Crutchlow is in between surgeries in Melbourne right now, and is set to stay in the Victorian capital until at least next weekend.
"This first surgery took 45 minutes and was simply to put the bone back into the perfect position for a second operation," added Cecchinello.
"That will take place on Wednesday or Thursday once the swelling to the ankle has gone down and will most likely involve inserting three small plates to keep the bone in place and guarantee the best possible recovery.
"The plan is that he will then be discharged three days after the second operation, which is next weekend.
"We will be in Malaysia at that time, so Cal will fly home instead and try to recover as quickly as possible.
"He will be able to start physiotherapy two weeks after the surgery to try and get himself fit as quickly as he can."
Previous article
Rossi: Rain-hit Phillip Island qualifying required 'big balls'
Next article
Phillip Island MotoGP: Vinales ends Yamaha drought, Zarco/Marquez clash
About this article
| Series | MotoGP |
| Drivers | Cal Crutchlow , Stefan Bradl |
| Teams | AB Motoracing , Team LCR |
| Author | Andrew van Leeuwen |
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
Has Yamaha banished its demons with its 2021 MotoGP bike?
Against the expected run of play at Qatar's Losail circuit, both Yamaha riders Maverick Vinales and Fabio Quartararo carved through a resolute Ducati defence to secure back-to-back MotoGP wins for the Japanese marque. After a difficult 2020, it appears that Yamaha has swaggered back into championship contention
Why MotoGP’s top gun looks more dangerous at the Doha GP
Lightning hasn't struck twice for Maverick Vinales since 2017 and his wayward form of recent years makes predicting how he'll fare each MotoGP race weekend tricky. But fresh from his Qatar GP win, Vinales looks like an even more dangerous prospect for the Doha GP following an intriguing Friday practice
Why MotoGP’s new Amazon series is long overdue
OPINION: MotoGP is getting its own version of Drive to Survive on Amazon Prime at some point in the near future. It was news welcomed by the grid’s leading riders. And following the impact DTS has had on Formula 1, MotoGP desperately needs the same boost.
Did the Qatar GP hint at Ducati’s true MotoGP leader?
OPINION: Johann Zarco talked a big game pre-season, and is so far vindicating himself as a factory rider at Pramac after finishing the Qatar GP as top Ducati in second. And contrasting his and Jack Miller's weekends and their approaches, is Zarco emerging as Ducati's true MotoGP leader?
The key changes behind the latest 'return of the Mack'
Maverick Vinales’s authoritative victory at the MotoGP season opener came during a period of personal and professional change for the Yamaha rider. Can it be the springboard for a title challenge?
