LCR Honda has confirmed that HRC test rider Stefan Bradl will replace the injured Cal Crutchlow at next weekend’s MotoGP Malaysian Grand Prix.
Crutchlow suffered a fracture to his right ankle and distal tibia in a heavy crash during Friday practice for the Australian Grand Prix and has been ruled out of action for the immediate future.
Crutchlow underwent surgery on his fracture and a second procedure is planned for the middle of next week, once the swelling on his ankle sufficiently reduces.
Honda tester Bradl raced full-time in MotoGP from 2012 to 2016 before making an unsuuccesful World Superbike switch last year, spending the first three seasons of his premier class career with LCR, and has made three wildcard outings this season.
“First of all I want to say it’s a great pity for Cal because he was in good form after the podium in Japan and the last few races,” said Bradl.
“I hope he has a speedy recovery. It’s a good opportunity for me, it’s a nice comeback as we had three years together and there are a lot of people I know in the team.
“I also want to thank HRC and Lucio [Cecchinello] for reacting so quickly and professionally to this situation.
“Now let’s see what we can do, I’m looking forward to seeing the guys and working with them again.”
2011 Moto2 world champion Bradl made his MotoGP return at the Sachsenring at Marc VDS in place of the injured Franco Morbidelli, making two further appearances with HRC at Brno and Misano, crashing out of bother events.
With Crutchlow in need of more surgery, it is likely the Briton will also be absent until 2019, ruling him out of two crucial tests taking place in November.
Currently leading the independent riders' championship battle by 15 points from Pramac's Danilo Petrucci and Johann Zarco, holding this position in the standings now looks improbable for the LCR rider.
