MotoGP wings are a safety risk - Cal Crutchlow

Ducati started the trend last year on its GP15, followed later in the season by Yamaha, while Honda introduced its own version during the Qatar pre-season test.

As the winglets filter down to satellite teams, a new off-season rule stipulates that they must have rounded edges, at least 2.5mm in diameter.

Crutchlow says he is still not convinced they are completely safe, and that Ducati's winglets could have been a factor in his Sepang clash with Andrea Dovizioso last year.

"Half of me thinks to say nothing, because maybe we need them if they are working," he admitted.

"But the way that I see it, imagine that sliced someone's leg clean open.

"They all say they will break before [that happens], that's not necessarily true, how do they know it will break?

"Honestly, I think, when I knocked Dovi off last year, I don't know whether I hit the wing or I hit his handlebar.

"Maybe that's the reason, we couldn't really see from the video.

"Those things are radical, but they're in the rules.

"I would be more concerned if they were to slice someone open, or if something really strange happens."

The LCR Honda rider added that following a bike fitted with the winglets was also more perilous, due to the dirty air they create.

"The turbulence behind them is out of control," he said.

"When you are right behind the Ducati, honestly, the turbulence off the things is unreal.

"At Phillip Island, when I was behind [Dani] Pedrosa and he was behind [Andrea] Iannone, honestly, I thought he was going to come off the bike, fly off, in sixth gear.

"I'm not going against them, they are in the rules, they've done a good job.

"If I was riding a Ducati, I'd want them as well."