CAL CRUTCHLOW says he never expected to be given an opportunity to race at Silverstone again.
The 35-year-old has earned a dream recall for the Monster Energy Yamaha team in place of the injured Franco Morbidelli and will race in the British MotoGP this weekend.
The Coventry-born racer retired at the end of last season to take a role as the team’s test rider.
He said: “I never thought I would be racing in the British MotoGP again, let alone riding for the Monster Energy Yamaha team.
“It is a privilege to be on the bike and on the grid in front of the British fans.
“Over the years, I have been the British guy at the front of MotoGP and there was always the expectation to have a great result at Silverstone, which I always tried to do.
“This year it is a little bit different. There is no pressure and I can enjoy it a little bit more and see how we go.
“But seeing a sell-out crowd will be amazing, so I am looking forward to getting back out there and nice to be racing at Silverstone again.”
Crutchlow’s best finish at Silverstone was second in 2016 and says that while a podium is unrealistic, he’s not ruling it out in front of a full house.
He added: “A podium? You are absolutely dreaming! I am just looking forward to it but with MotoGP you never know.
“One week someone can win and then the other week, they’d nearly be last. That’s what’s good about MotoGP, the battling and being so competitive.
“I have no idea about this weekend. I will look to do my job and enjoy it.
“I am not up to speed with the other guys, they have been riding all year and I have had five months off the bike.
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“But I rode in Austria and got a feeling for it and it would be nice to be able to go better this weekend.”
Despite being drafted in at late notice, he says he has no regrets about calling time on his racing career last year.
He said: “I stopped racing full-time at the right time. I still believe it was the right choice and I enjoy watching it from home and seeing how my friends are getting on.
“It has been a big part of my life for so long so to be back in, is good fun but I enjoyed being a test rider, so it is a perfect combination.”
