Nakagami's 'animal' mindset key to beating Crutchlow
Takaaki Nakagami says having an ‘animal’ mindset at the start of MotoGP’s Italian Grand Prix was key to being able to beat LCR Honda teammate Cal Crutchlow.
Japanese rider Nakagami secured the best finish of his premier-class career at Mugello in fifth place – best of the rest behind the quartet of riders who fought for victory.
He said managing to find a way not to drop positions at the start was integral to his result, and that passing Crutchlow, who slumped to eighth at the finish, was straightforward.
“Our weak point is [usually] the start, we always drop positions,” said Nakagami, who rides a year-old Honda compared to his teammate’s 2019-spec bike.
“This time, I had to improve that area. Luckily I was strong at the start, this is the key point.
“I saw [Crutchlow] was struggling, but anyway I was able to overtake him between [Turns] two and three. It was quite easy to overtake him because he looked like he was struggling.”
He added: “Of course the main rival is always your teammate. [He has a] different bike, situation, but I’m always thinking to beat him.
“Last year it was almost impossible, but this year I have a good package, and I have good experience. I knew that in some races, it can happen [that I finish] in front of him.”
Asked how he was able to make a stronger start than usual, Nakagami replied: “The main thing is mentality – just to be like an animal, because everybody is really crazy.”
Fifth place Takaaki Nakagami, Team LCR Honda
Photo by: Ducati Corse
Front-end woes, tyre issue hold back Crutchlow
Crutchlow cited two reasons for his subdued Mugello performance: a lack of front-end feeling, an issue he had felt all weekend, and a problem with the rear tyre in the latter stages.
“I didn’t have a good feeling with the bike, I was unable to push the front,” lamented the British rider. “The [front tyre] pressure went really high when I was in the group, so I dropped back a little bit.
“After about 14 laps [of 23], I felt a massive drop on the rear tyre. I was unable to enter the corner, turn the bike.
“My biggest problem was the turning but the drop in the rear tyre was because quite a significant piece [of rubber] came out.”
Crutchlow also said that turning and quickfire direction changes are one area where the 2018-spec Honda has a clear advantage over the newer bike.
“It was apparent when Taka passed me; I could see it with my own eyes,” he said. “I know what I felt last year, and what I feel now.
“I couldn’t stay with Taka because of the rear tyre, but I also couldn’t turn the bike. We’re so slow to change direction because of my feeling with the bike.
“Physically it’s so demanding to ride, for some reason. We can’t change direction through the chicanes, and here it’s all chicanes.”
Asked by Motorsport.com if reverting to a 2018-spec bike was a possibility for him, Crutchlow said bluntly: “No, it’s not an option.
“[Nakagami’s] bike is better in one area, and our bike is better in another area [in a straight line]. But the straight normally [accounts for] a tenth of the lap. The rest is corners.”
Cal Crutchlow, Team LCR Honda
Photo by: Gold and Goose / LAT Images
On whether his 2018 bike is stronger in corners than Crutchlow’s newer machine, Nakagami replied: “This I don’t know. I’ve never tested the 2019 bike.
“But we’re always comparing Marc [Marquez’s], Cal’s data [to mine], and my bike’s strongest point is corner to corner. I can carry the speed.
“Helping also is my riding style, because I am strong on this kind of layout. I don’t know [why], it’s just natural. I can just carry the speed on this kind of layout.”
Previous article
Rins: Mugello result disappointing as I had "rhythm to win"
Next article
Miller: Suzuki cornering ability "scared the shit out of me"
About this article
| Series | MotoGP |
| Event | Italian GP |
| Drivers | Takaaki Nakagami , Cal Crutchlow |
| Teams | Team LCR |
| Author | Jamie Klein |
Repsol Honda Team - Pol Espargaró Q&A
Repsol Honda Team - Marc Marquez Q&A
Why Alex Marquez doesn't care about 'shutting up' MotoGP critics
Alex Marquez's form was one of MotoGP 2020's biggest surprises and, by firmly stepping out of his six-time world champion brother Marc's shadow, he proved a few people wrong. Not that he cares about this, as he tells Lewis Duncan
How Yamaha's new MotoGP era can unchain Vinales
After the electrifying start to his Yamaha MotoGP career in 2017, Maverick Vinales has struggled for consistency. Many anticipate that the arrival of Fabio Quartararo could spell disaster, but the departure of Valentino Rossi could be just the impetus he needs.
Does KTM really need 'super engine' for MotoGP title challenge?
Fears from rival MotoGP manufacturers that KTM would build a 'super engine' for 2021 have ultimately come to nothing with the revealation that the RC16 hasn't been radically changed over the winter. But does it really need that to win the title?
How Ducati's latest Aussie union can return it to MotoGP glory
Australians on Ducatis is an iconic partnership, the marque's last one yielding its sole MotoGP crown to date. But its latest Aussie union with the often underestimated Jack Miller can end this drought.
The "balls out" battle between MotoGP's true greats
Senna vs Prost is regularly cited as motorsport's greatest rivalry. But it can easily be argued Rainey vs Schwantz can stake that claim. That rivalry was in full swing during the 1991 500cc season, remembered fondly by both stars 30 years on...
The "warrior" MotoGP rookie KTM was right to back
The 2020 MotoGP campaign featured a standout pair of rookies, but one flew under the radar as he adjusted to a shock step-up armed with very little racing experience. However as his veteran team boss explains, the faith shown in him was not misplaced
Why Suzuki's Brivio replacement must come from within
With its charismatic leader Davide Brivio leaving for Formula 1, the Suzuki MotoGP squad he turned into a world championship-winning force in 2020 has a major recruitment headache that it needs to resolve carefully.
Why Alpine's latest signing could be its best hope of F1 glory
The return of Fernando Alonso to the renamed Alpine team is a sure sign of the team's ambition. But its latest appointment from MotoGP could be an even bigger coup as it seeks to end a barren run stretching back to Alonso's 2006 world title
