Cal Crutchlow has advised Tech 3 team-mate and 2013
MotoGP rookie Bradley Smith to 'take it steady' ahead of his Yamaha M1 debut.
Smith is one of three Moto2 riders - alongside Marc Marquez and Andrea Iannone - stepping up to the premier-class next year and will ride a 1000cc prototype for the first time during the Valencia post-race test on Tuesday and Wednesday.
“I think no doubt it'd going to be difficult for any of the guys to come into the
MotoGP championship and be strong straight away. People can't expect miracles from any of the riders coming in,” said Crutchlow, who has taken his first podium and more than doubled his points during his second
MotoGP season.
“No doubt they are going to be fast and it's a great opportunity for Bradley. So hopefully he'll take it with both hands. First thing I said to him was just 'take it steady'. You're not just going to come in and win straight away, so build up and take your time.
“That was probably one of the things I learnt in my first year. I never took my time, I just landed on my head! You have to build up and then the second year is much better normally.”
Crutchlow heads into the final round aiming to improve on seventh in the standings, with both
Valentino Rossi and Alvaro Bautista within mathematical reach of the Englishman.
“Fifth's nothing to shout about particularly, but it's better than finishing seventh, so hopefully we can have a good result on Sunday,” he said.
“I never expected to be on the podium [last time] at Phillip Island, so if I don't expect it again here maybe we'll find ourselves there on Sunday afternoon.”
Smith, who has a two-year contract, is replacing Andrea Dovizioso. The Italian, already confirmed as fourth in the 2012 championship, is moving to the factory Ducati team.