I think Crutchlow can be a force in some races. See he's in a dangerous spot right now for other riders. He's still got the confidence of the two wins from last year. So he knows he's got the speed to win. He just needs the bike to show up at all the tracks. Honda's have always done well at Phillip Island and his wet race win comes with the obligatory, "well it's anyone's race in the wet". So I think his win at Phillip Island proved a lot and it exposed a chink in the armor of the factory teams. Marquez did his usual win or bin ride at PI, and Rossi couldn't catch Crutchlow. So I think they had better keep an eye on him as he may show up on more than one occasion. If anything, I think he'll be a thorn in the side of the factory teams.
I'm with you on him as a person. I've always thought Crutchlow is fast, but man that guy sure can whine about stuff. It's just his style and delivery. He speaks his mind and has no filter from brain to mouth. Which is good and bad. The good is, you know where he stands on things but the bad is the way he executes his thought process. He has no tact at times.
Going off of last years performances. Of the nine race winners(aside from the top 4 aliens + Vinales) I'd say Crutchlow would be the most likely to repeat again this year. I don't see Dovi getting a sniff at another win(unless it's wet and now that Lorenzo is on a Ducati), Miller was a flash in the pan(which proves anyone can win in the rain), Iannone has a shot(and aside from Crutchlow, he has the best chance of more wins being on the factory Suzuki).
Then mix in some of these new rookies that are going fast. You know they're out to slap down some veteran racers in the process. Which is why I think it will be a tough year, and think Rossi has a lot on his plate(then again, they all do).
I can't call it outright and don't have a crystal ball. But I think we won't see as many different winners like in 2016. What I think we may get, is a return to the old school 990cc era of MotoGP where the races were knock down drag out fights from Lap 1 to the checker flag. Everyone looks very competitive and very fast. The usual suspects will be at the top, but I think even for them it's going to be a battle for every spot this year.
I think 2017 looks good...
Reply With Quote