Cal Crutchlow criticizes MotoGP tire pressure rule: “It’s nonsense, so we can’t overtake”
Cal Crutchlow produced a headline-grabbing performance at the German Grand Prix, going head-to-head with Toprak Razgatlioglu and Maverick Vinales as LCR’s replacement for Johann Zarco. For a rider in his forties, who retired from full-time MotoGP at the end of 2020, Crutchlow’s return to elite level racing was nothing short of remarkable. Nevertheless, not only did his on-track exploits attract attention, but his explosive criticism of the new MotoGP tire pressure regulations left the paddock nervous.
Since its last stint in the championship, MotoGP has introduced stricter regulations regarding minimum tire pressure, with severe penalties for those remaining below the limit for too long. Rules designed to address safety concerns have fundamentally changed race strategies and the dynamics of close combat on the track. Crutchlow, never one to mince words, made his position very clear.
Speaking to Crash.net, Crutchlow said, “The rules are ridiculous, you know. Let us do what we want.” “I completely understand about safety. But these rules are nonsense. So we can’t race and we can’t overtake. Because of this rule, you have to slow down, you have to speed up… They should just let us manage it.”
Highlighting the impact on performance, Crutchlow explained how tire pressure fluctuates dramatically depending on whether the rider is in clear air or stuck in traffic. “If you’re alone, the bike behaves differently. But when you’re behind someone, it’s terrible, especially at the Sachsenring because there’s no room to get out of the slipstream,” he said. “Say, I wanted to be three places ahead and run my race. But I couldn’t do that. I had to push to catch the guy in front and shake off the guy behind.”
Despite his frustration with the rules, Crutchlow immediately absolved Michelin of any blame. “Listen, Michelin does a very good job. They have always done a very good job of staying competitive in this championship for so many years,” he said.
Crutchlow’s outspoken stance has reignited the debate over whether MotoGP’s tire pressure rules are preventing genuine racing and genuine overtaking. His comments reflect the frustrations of many riders grappling with the fine line between safety and spectacle in the sport’s modern era.
