An apologetic Cal Crutchlow has admitted that he needs to rediscover his 'mojo' next time out in MotoGP 2011 at Indianapolis, assuring that 'I am trying' and 'that's all I can do' – but equally accepting that the current situation 'needs to change'.
Following a bright start to his rookie campaign in the premier class – with scintillating single-lap pace complemented by punchy and impressive race day performances – World Superbike Championship graduate Crutchlow has gone off the boil in recent outings, and has in truth struggled to regain his early momentum ever since his Silverstone collarbone-breaking fall in early June.
Following his crash at Laguna Seca last month, Yamaha Tech 3 team manager Hervé Poncharal mused that the British star's accident was 'very disappointing' and 'a big pity', depriving him of 'a lot of potential data that would have been very useful for next year'.
The Frenchman's patience is ostensibly beginning to wear a little thin, and not only did Crutchlow bite the dust again at Brno last weekend only seven laps in, but Moto2 ace Bradley Smith is now being linked with MotoGP graduation with Tech 3 in 2012 – and it is unclear at present who he would most likely replace.
Having tallied 30 of his 34 points thus far during the opening five rounds of the campaign, Crutchlow presently languishes just 15th in the championship standings – twelve points adrift of fellow rookie Karel Abraham. Following his early bath in the Czech Republic, the 25-year-old tweeted that it 'seems like this is a typical day for me' and that 'it needs to change', adding: “I'm sorry to everyone putting in so much time and effort...I am trying, that's all I can do. I hope from here onwards and upwards.”
He later added, 'funny moment of day...sitting in garage watchin boys build yet another bike for me & the song by U2 came on #istillhaventfoundwhatimlookingfor' – but the two-day post-race Brno test session has seemingly been a timely morale-booster as he headed 'in the right direction', albeit acknowledging that 'I've got to improve myself and adapt my style more' [see separate story – click here]. He is, he reflects, heading back home in more optimistic spirits.
“Today was a miracle – managed to do 76 laps around a circuit of 2mins a lap and not crash!” Crutchlow quipped on Twitter. “Seriously though, better day testing today. Hope to be able to move forward from now on. Seemed to have found a few things & i now just hope they work. Leavin Brno [a] little happier. We worked hard & tested all day. Now time to repair myself for Indy & try get my mojo back...”
