Cal Crutchlow will remain with the LCR team through to the end of 2019, after signing a two-year deal with HRC to become a factory-supported Honda rider.
Crutchlow moved to LCR and Honda in 2015 following a tricky year with the factory Ducati outfit, scoring a maiden rostrum with the marque in just his second race in Argentina.
The LCR Honda rider ended a 35-year wait for a British premier class win last year in the Czech Republic, backing that up with a second win at Phillip Island later in the year.
Now in his third year with LCR, Crutchlow has increased support from Honda, regularly acting as a test rider for the Japanese manufacturer and running an RC213V almost identical to the factory team riders. Crutchlow’s deal with HRC should see that factory support boosted.
“I am very happy to confirm that I will be riding for HRC with the LCR Team again for two more seasons,” said Crutchlow.
“We have worked extremely hard over the last three seasons and I am positive we will enjoy more great results together.
“I would like to thank HRC for the great support they offer me and our team, and I look forward to giving my hundred percent to this project as always.”
LCR team boss Lucio Cecchinello added: “Cal is undoubtedly one of the most competitive and talented riders in MotoGP, and thanks to HRC’s support, we are honoured to work with him again for the next two years.
“Cal gave us our first ever victory in the premier class of MotoGP and further important results. I want to thank all those who worked and supported this project so far, first and foremost HRC.”
Crutchlow had been linked to a potential move to Suzuki in light of recent tensions between the Japanese manufacturer and current rider Andrea Iannone.
The British rider’s signing to HRC frees up more budget for the LCR team to field a second bike for 2018, which is highly expected to happen.
Moto2 race winner Takaaki Nakagami is strongly linked to the second LCR seat, the Japanese rider set to bring sponsorship from Idemitsu to the team should he make the step up.
Crutchlow currently sits ninth in the world championship standings ahead of this weekend’s Dutch TT, with a best result of third at the Argentine Grand Prix earlier in the season.
