Monster Yamaha's Cal Crutchlow is once again on the hunt for grip from his YZR-M1 as he couldn't get the bike turned in properly during either of the two MotoGP free practice sessions at Sepang today - and he hasn't much in the way of side grip on the rear either.
The former World Supersport Champion finished the second free period in 15th place and 2.6s off the pace but he is heartened that it is only a one-second gap to fourth. The Coventry man has a lot of work to do overnight on a track where everyone is slower than they tested in February.
“Today was pretty tough to be honest and not just because of the extreme heat and humidity. We're searching for front and rear grip and when the conditions are as hot as here, that's not an easy task. I'm missing side grip on the rear and like a few other tracks we've been to recently, I'm having problems getting the bike turned," said Crutchlow.
"The track is obviously in a lot different condition to when we tested here because the times are about two seconds slower, but I'd hoped to be a bit higher up the rankings. I knew it was going to be a tough day because I found this place hard during the two tests at the start of the year.
"It is such a long lap that it is difficult to get a lap nailed perfectly, but looking at the timesheets I am a second off fourth place and I'm not happy with the bike, so that gives me some encouragement. We'll continue working hard as always tomorrow and I'm sure we can find a few tenths to move up the order.”
