CAL Crutchlow is making a return to the MotoGP grid as the three-time MotoGP winner will fill in for the recovering Franco Morbidelli at the next three rounds.
This means Crutchlow will compete at the next two rounds – both of which are taking place at Spielberg in Austria – and more importantly the British MotoGP round at Silverstone in August.
Crutchlow is no stranger to Yamaha MotoGP machinery, although t’s been a fair few years since he last rode one in anger. Cal’s final season in the Tech3 squad came to an end in 2013, before the likeable Brit’ moved to Ducati and more recently the LCR Honda team. The bike won’t be totally unfamiliar to Cal, as his role as official factory Yamaha Test Rider means he will have likely already ridden it on numerous occasions.
Speaking of the move back to the MotoGP grid, Crutchlow said:
“It’s great to be back riding with Yamaha this year as the official test rider and to be able to step in when needed is good for all parties. I’m looking forward to riding for Petronas Yamaha SRT in the three Grands Prix. Obviously, it’s not in the best circumstances and I wish Franco a good recovery, I hope he comes back strongly after the knee surgery. I’m sure he will because he’s been riding fantastically over the last two years.”
Team Principal, Petronas Yamaha Sepang Racing Team Razali added:
“After looking at all the options, it was a collective decision between Yamaha and ourselves to ask Cal Crutchlow to fill in for Franco, while he recovers from surgery. Cal is a credible and experienced rider, who is currently a test rider for Yamaha. As an independent team, this is where we can really step up to help Yamaha. Cal will be able to rack up some good mileage on our M1, which should aid him with his testing and development work for Yamaha. Cal will replace Franco for the next three races and we have no real targets for him in terms of results. We will do all we can to help support him and make him feel comfortable in the team. He’s already familiar with some of the key people in the team, which helps, and I’m sure he’s up for the challenge.”
