Crutchlow can make a MotoGP difference for Yamaha

Despite winning half of last year’s races, Yamaha was unable to win any of the three championships on offer. The 2020 M1 riders were beset by various issues with the motorcycle that resulted in wildly inconsistent shape.

After leading much of the campaign, Fabio Quartararo finished eighth in the last six laps, while Maverick Vinales finished sixth and Rossi 15th (although he missed two laps due to COVID-19).

Yamaha’s problems were not helped by the lack of a testing program for Jorge Lorenzo, who completed just four days on a 2019 M1 in February and October – his plans were largely reversed by COVID travel restrictions for the Japan-based test crew.

For 2021, the brand has signed ex-Tech 3 Yamaha rider Crutchlow to advance his plans after retiring from full-time racing. It will be in action on all days of this month’s Qatar Tests, which started on Friday (see below).

Cal Crutchlow, Yamaha factory race

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Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images

Cal Crutchlow, Yamaha factory race

Cal Crutchlow, Yamaha factory race

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Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images

Cal Crutchlow, Yamaha factory race

Cal Crutchlow, Yamaha factory race

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Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images

Cal Crutchlow, Yamaha factory race

Cal Crutchlow, Yamaha factory race

4th/.10

Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images

Cal Crutchlow, Yamaha factory race

Cal Crutchlow, Yamaha factory race

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Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images

Cal Crutchlow, Yamaha factory race

Cal Crutchlow, Yamaha factory race

6th/.10

Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images

Cal Crutchlow, Yamaha factory race

Cal Crutchlow, Yamaha factory race

7th/.10

Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images

Cal Crutchlow, Yamaha factory race

Cal Crutchlow, Yamaha factory race

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Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images

Loner Vinales, Yamaha Factory Racing, Cal Crutchlow, Yamaha Factory Racing

Loner Vinales, Yamaha Factory Racing, Cal Crutchlow, Yamaha Factory Racing

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Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images

Cal Crutchlow, Yamaha factory race

Cal Crutchlow, Yamaha factory race

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Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images

When asked if Crutchlow could be the final piece of the puzzle to heal the inconsistency that plagued Yamaha last year and since 2016, Rossi said, “I think Cal can make the difference, [he] can help Yamaha a lot. Also, I have a good relationship with Cal so I am very happy to work with him.

“It all depends on motivation, because being a test rider is not easy, because you definitely have to find the motivation to push the bike to the limit, even when you are not driving. So it’s not going to be easy for Cal and I hope he arrives with a good motivation and approach.

“He quit this winter and is in good shape and that can make all the difference I think. We expect strong support from Cal as Cal is a MotoGP rider and therefore only retired last year.

“He’s in good shape, he’s ridden for Honda for a long time so he can give Yamaha some advice. I want to speak to him after his first touch with the M1. “

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In an interview with Motorsport.com last year, Crutchlow noted that he was the right candidate for the Yamaha test role as the brand needed a rider who didn’t want to use the opportunity as a stepping stone to the MotoGP grid in 2022.

Yamaha almost hired ex-Ducati rider Andrea Dovizioso as a tester, but they opted for a sabbatical in 2021 when the offer – and that of the other test roles presented – didn’t keep the door open for a race return in 2022.

Crutchlow’s signature as a Yamaha test rider thrilled his other factory riders last November. Maverick Vinales really wanted the Briton on board, as his directness in his feedback would better support bike development.