British Riders
CRUTCHLOW LEADS
BRITISH CHARGE
British fans haven’ t had a MotoGP™ home hero to cheer in at Silverstone in the past four years. But old favourite Cal Crutchlow will line up for the 2026 event hoping to post a memorable performance at home.
The 40-year old, who has won three MotoGP™ races over a storied career, made a surprise return to the series to replace the injured Johann Zarco in the Castrol Honda LCR squad. The situation arose after the Frenchman’ s serious first turn crash in Barcelona.
“ I had Lucio( Cecchinello – Team Owner) call the day after,” said Crutchlow.“ Finally, I spoke to Dako( Mamola-Team Coordinator) and he said, the team want you to come back and race. I went home and Lucy( Crutchlow – wife) said,‘ oh, did Dako call you?’ I said, yeah, but I didn ' t bring up the subject. And she said,‘ because they called me first! To get the blessing!’
“ I said I wasn’ t interested. She said, why not? You ' ve done it your whole life, so I don ' t understand why you ' re not doing it.’ I wouldn ' t have done it for another team. I did come to a point where I thought,‘ Why not?’”
Even though Crutchlow is yet to score a point in his five appearances this season, he has enjoyed the experience.“ Racing and MotoGP has been part of my life for so long,” he said.“ To this day I still wonder why I( came back). I didn’ t come back because I need it or because I want a fulltime job racing. I came back because it’ s what I know. I obviously enjoy it. But I’ m glad I did. I know I’ m riding around at the back. I’ m also very content with that.”
29 Official Programme Silverstone Circuit