Crutchlow prepared for toughest ever challenge

Cal Crutchlow believes that his 2009 World Supersport winning season has been the perfect preparation for his jump to WSB in 2010.

Since switching to the class onboard the factory Yamaha R1, the 24 year old has been fast, but he admits that he still doesn’t know what to expect from the opening race.

“The last time I rode in WSB was in 2008 at Donington and Portimao.

“I finished second in the wet, I broke down in another, I’ve had a delaminated tyres and finished ninth with a bad tyre so I really don’t know where my level is.”

Despite the erratic results, Crutchlow is being tipped by many as the surprise package of 2010.

“Last year I learned all the circuits and I learned a lot about race craft. But in WSS I could lose two seconds in one lap and then catch it back up over the next three.

“In WSB you simply can’t do that and that’s the difference. If you make a mistake in WSB there will be four guys past you.

“I’m aggressive and I’ve learnt to be patient when I need to and not to push to win when I don’t have to. Hopefully I’m a bit more intelligent now as well.”

Crutchlow has now landed in Australia in preparation for two days of testing on Sunday and Monday before the opening race of the 2010 season, which runs from 26th to 28th February.