Cal Crutchlow to make MotoGP return at Mugello as Johann Zarco's replacement

Cal Crutchlow's return to MotoGP at Mugello as Johann Zarco's replacement marks a significant comeback for the 40-year-old former champion. LCR and Honda gave the green light after Crutchlow joined a Misano test session to gauge his fitness and the feasibility of racing with adequate guarantees. LCR confirmed the decision on Thursday morning. The Mugello race would be Crutchlow's first appearance since the 2023 Japanese Grand Prix, where he rode as a Yamaha wildcard while serving as the manufacturer’s tester. Crutchlow won three races while with LCR, underscoring his experience and value for the team.

Honda, supplier of the RC213V of LCR, lists Nakagami and Espargaró as its main test riders and potential stand-ins, but Espargaró was unavailable after a crash during a private Sepang test. Nakagami would be the logical choice, yet a combination of risk management and development needs pushed Cecchinello to call Crutchlow back. Honda wants to protect Nakagami from injury while he helps develop the 850cc prototype for next season under the new technical regulations; Crutchlow, who retired in 2020, has accepted this return for the opportunity to compete again.