Cal Crutchlow steals the show before British Grand Prix

MotoGP held a special event ahead of the British Grand Prix in front of fans and media in the iconic capital.

The 40-year-old Crutchlow will be the only homegrown rider at Silverstone, subbing in at LCR Honda for the injured Johann Zarco for the sixth and likely final time this season.

The three-time race-winner has been one place shy of a points finish on two occasions since his return, but was rather amusingly asked about his chances of victory by one fan.

KTM’s Pedro Acosta had earlier said he ‘needed a miracle’ for a win, something Crutchlow hilariously referenced in his response.

“How many are on the grid? Twenty-two?” he said. “Twenty-one miracles. He needs a miracle; I need twenty-one.

Crutchlow was also asked by presenter Gavin Emmett if he expected to be here three months ago and had a similarly amusing response.

“Oh, no, nor were you, Gav!” he said. “You know, it's a privilege. It's a privilege to be asked by LCR, by Honda, to come back for these races while Johann is unfortunately recovering from an injury.

Before the press conference, it was announced that Silverstone will remain on the calendar for the next two seasons.

The agreement with MotoGP was due to expire at the end of 2026, but has now been extended through to the end of 2028.

Asked if he plans to still be going then, Crutchlow once again had the fans in attendance laughing.

“If there's no British rider again, I'll have to come back and do another British Grand Prix,” he said. “But maybe like a support class, you know - one of the kids' support classes I'll do.”

Speaking about Silverstone staying on the calendar, he continued: “It's a great circuit, one that holds many memories for me.

Crutchlow’s last full-time season was in 2020, and he subbed in for 11 races in the three years that followed.

His return at Mugello in May was his first time in a MotoGP race since a one-off during the 2023 season.

Discussing how things have changed since his last appearances, the Coventry-born star said: “Honestly speaking, the bikes are not so different from when I was testing a few years ago.