MotoGP Jerez test - Crutchlow concerned over wet tyre life

Monster Yamaha's Cal Crutchlow has expressed concern over the longevity of Bridgestone's wet tyres after he lost grip with only 12 laps under his belt at a soaking Jerez MotoGP test today.

The problem wasn't only affecting the Isle of Man resident, with Yamaha teamster Jorge Lorenzo, for one, suffering the same problems. The teams are only allowed four sets of wets for the three-day outing, and some teams are already on their second pair.

"After 12 laps it's not the best situation to be in. On the 800s, we used to use a lot more lean angle. On the 1000cc you pick it up more but you've got more power going through the tyre and it's bald after 12 laps," said Crutchlow, who only decided to go out when he heard other bikes on track from his motorhome.

"It wasn't just me, Lorenzo was the same. That's why those guys put in new tyres and went faster. If we had done that, we could have gone as fast as them. I'm not worried about the lap time. It's a tough situation because we need to do something about it.

"It's not just Yamaha, or Honda or Ducati, it's something to do with the Bridgestones, so I am sure they will look at that. Maybe when we come back to the grand prix we will have something different."

By David Miller

Image by Bonnie Lane