Petronas SRT Confirms Crutchlow Convocation
Razlan Razali, Team Principal, Petronas Yamaha Sepang Racing Team
“After examining all of our options, it was a joint decision between Yamaha and us to ask Cal Crutchlow to represent Franco while he recovers from the operation. Cal is a credible and experienced rider who is currently a test rider for Yamaha. As an independent team, we can really do something here to help Yamaha. Cal will be able to accumulate a few good miles on our M1, which should help him in his testing and development work for Yamaha. Cal will replace Franco for the next three races and we don’t have any real goals for him in terms of results. We will do everything we can to support him and make sure that he feels comfortable in the team. He already knows some of the key people on the team, which helps, and I’m sure he’s up to the challenge. “
Cal Crutchlow
“It’s great to be racing with Yamaha as the official test rider again this year and to be able to step in if necessary is good for all parties. I’m looking forward to racing for PETRONAS Yamaha SRT in the three Grands Prix. Obviously it’s not the best of circumstances and I wish Franco a good recovery, I hope he comes back strong after knee surgery. I’m sure he will because he has ridden fantastic over the past two years.
“I think it’s difficult to set goals for these three races and it will be more about understanding the bike as I’ve only had a few riding days this year. The good thing will be that I can compare the bikes and collect a lot of data for Yamaha. It’s a bit like being thrown into the deep end as this is a very competitive MotoGP class, but I’m really looking forward to it and it will be good to be on the grid again.
“I’m looking forward to meeting the team in Austria, even if there will be some familiar faces for me, because Wilco Zeelenberg was my team manager in Supersport in 2009 and I even competed against Johan Stigefelt a few years ago, so it will be me I am looking forward to being with you again. “
Crutchlow is no stranger to Yamaha MotoGP machines after starting his premier class career with the Japanese brand in 2011 – spending three seasons aboard the Yamaha – and is now the official test and development rider at the plant.
Dani Pedrosa has already been confirmed as a wildcard entry for KTM in Austria.
FIM MotoGP World Championship Calendar 2021
July 7th update
| Round | date | location |
| Round 1 | 28th March | Qatar, Losail (night race) |
| round 2 | April-04 | Doha, Losail (night race) |
| Round 3 | April 18 | Portugal, Portimão |
| Round 4 | May-02 | Spain, Jerez |
| Round 5 | May-16 | France, Le Mans |
| Round 6 | 30th May | Italy – Mugello |
| Round 7 | June-06 | Catalonia, Barcelona |
| Round 8 | June-20 | Germany, Sachsenring |
| Round 9 | June 27th | Netherlands, Assen |
| Round 10 | 8th August | Styria, Red Bull Ring |
| Round 11 | 15th of August | Austria, Red Bull Ring |
| Round 12 | 29th August | United Kingdom, Silverstone |
| Round 13 | 12th September | Aragon, Motorland Aragon |
| Round 14 | September 19th | San Marino, Misano |
| Round 15 | Oct-03 | America, Circuit of the Americas |
| Round 16 | Canceled | Thailand, Chang International Circuit |
| Round 17 | Canceled | Australia, Phillip Island |
| Round 17 | Oct 24 | Malaysia, Sepang |
| Round 18 | November 7th | Algarve, International Autodrome of the Algarve |
| Round 19 | 14th November | Valencia, Ricardo Tormo circuit |