Cal Crutchlow to replace injured Zarco at Mugello GP

A 40-year-old British rider will make a surprise return to MotoGP competition this weekend at the Italian Grand Prix in Mugello. Cal Crutchlow has been confirmed as the substitute for Johann Zarco on the LCR Honda team while the French rider recovers from a serious knee injury sustained in a crash at the Catalan Grand Prix on May 17.

Zarco’s leg became entangled with another bike during a multi-rider incident, resulting in damage to his anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments, his medial meniscus, and a small fibula tear. He is awaiting surgery, with his recovery timeline still undetermined. This left the LCR team needing a replacement rider for the immediate future.

Crutchlow, who retired from full-time MotoGP racing at the end of 2020, last competed in a race as a wildcard entry for Yamaha at the 2023 Japanese Grand Prix. He spent six of his ten premier-class seasons with LCR Honda between 2015 and 2020, securing all three of his MotoGP race wins and 12 podium finishes with the team.

The decision to call upon Crutchlow came after other potential replacements within the Honda stable were ruled out. Test rider Aleix Espargaro is recovering from a significant spine injury, while...