CAL Crutchlow returns to the MotoGP grid as the three-time MotoGP winner will stand in for the recovered Franco Morbidelli on the next three laps.
This means that Crutchlow will compete in the next two races – both of which will be held in Spielberg, Austria – and especially the British MotoGP run in Silverstone in August.
Crutchlow is no stranger to Yamaha’s MotoGP machine, although it’s been a few years since he last rode one angrily. Cal’s last season in the Tech3 roster came to an end in 2013 before the likeable Brit moved to Ducati and, more recently, to the LCR Honda team. The bike will not be entirely unknown to Cal as his role as Yamaha Official Test Rider means he has likely ridden it on numerous occasions.
Related articles
Regarding the move back to MotoGP, Crutchlow said:
“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 driven fantastic over the past two years. “
Team principal Petronas Yamaha Sepang Racing Team Razali added:
“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. “