The final day of MotoGP testing at the magnificent new Autodromo Termas de Rio Hondo track in Argentina was disrupted by rain today, with Cal Crutchlow completing just over 30-laps on a drying track this afternoon.

After a positive first impression of the new 4.8km circuit yesterday, Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team rider Crutchlow was eagerly anticipating more time on track today to gather vital data for both Yamaha and Bridgestone.

Adverse weather conditions though prevented Crutchlow from venturing out on track until late this afternoon, with another massive crowd patiently waiting to get a glimpse of him riding the YZR-M1 machine that he has raced to three podium finishes in the previous four races.

When he did finally go out to complete 32-laps and post a best time of 1.45.852, the British rider got a rapturous reception from the packed grandstands and today’s rain hasn’t taken the shine off a truly memorable first visit to Autodromo Termas de Rio Hondo for the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team.

Exceptional hospitality and passionate support from Argentinian fans has only heightened the sense of excitement and anticipation ahead of next year’s race, with Dorna confirming the Autodromo de Rio Hondo will feature on the MotoGP calendar until at least 2016.

Crutchlow will now fly back to Europe in readiness for the Sachsenring’s German MotoGP round next weekend, which is immediately followed by a second trip of the campaign to North America for the Laguna Seca race ahead of a well deserved summer break.


Cal Crutchlow 1.45.852 – 32 laps:

“It was a big pity today that the rain came because people told us that there has been no rain here for more than 20 weeks! I’m really pleased the track dried out at the end and I was able to do some laps to thank the fans for being so patient and coming out to support us. This test has been one of the few times when there’s not been so much pressure, so I’ve been able to have a lot of fun with the other guys on track. Nowadays in MotoGP you have to be on the limit and giving it 100% for every lap of every test and race, so it was nice to be able to have a bit of fun on the bike. We collected some data for Yamaha and Bridgestone but I’m not sure how helpful it will be because conditions for the race will be completely different. The track was quite dirty but some sections are incredible. Some corners are really fast and there are a lot of overtaking opportunities, so I think it will make for great racing in all three classes. It has been a great trip and very important for Dorna and Yamaha to promote MotoGP in such a key market like Argentina and I am proud that Tech 3 and Monster were able to play such a big part in it. I’d like to thank everybody involved in our visit this week. I’ve loved every minute of my first visit to Argentina. It is great to experience another culture and the welcome and hospitality we have received has been overwhelming and my first visit to Argentina is one I will never forget. The support and passion for MotoGP has been amazing to see and now I can’t wait to be back next year for the race.”

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