Preparations for the 2015 season began in earnest at the Valencia circuit in Spain today, scene of yesterday’s final round of this year’s MotoGP World Championship. Sunny skies and ideal temperatures gave rise to a positive first day for CWM LCR Honda and one of their two new riders for next season, Cal Crutchlow.

The Briton enters his fifth season in MotoGP in 2015, and quickly got to grips with his new Honda RC213V, the third different machine he has ridden in the premier class. The Coventry-born rider spent the day adjusting the bike to his personal preferences, making a series of short runs as he lapped for the first time on the Honda.

Crutchlow was the eighth fastest rider on the day, with a best lap of 1’31.847, and will continue his adaptation to his new CWM LCR Honda over the next two days of tests on Tuesday and Wednesday at Valencia.

Cal Crutchlow #35 (8th place, 1’31.847, 53 laps)

“It’s been a good first day with the CWM LCR Honda Team, and I’m pleased to say that we all worked well together. We made some small settings adjustments throughout the day that I thought were positive, but ultimately I’m learning to ride the Honda for the first time; it was a different experience, but enjoyable nonetheless. Today is just a familiarisation day and we made some shorter runs because I didn’t really understand some things in some corners, but we are quite pleased with the initial pace of me riding the Honda.”


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