Cal Crutchlow will replace Franco Morbidelli in the Styrian, Austrian and UK GP.
Cal Crutchlow MotoGP races, European MotoGP | Source: Visordown
Subscribe to our Telegram channel for instant updates!
Former MotoGP rider Cal Crutchlow will be leaving as he has agreed to compete for Petronas Yamaha Sepang Racing Team (SRT) to replace Franco Morbidelli for the next three races. The Frenchman has sustained injuries and will not be ready to drive until he has recovered.
The 35-year-old Briton will compete in the two Grand Prix in Austria and the Grand Prix of Great Britain in Silverstone in the 2021 season.
Crutchlow is no stranger to Yamaha’s MotoGP machinery, having started his premier class career with the Japanese manufacturer in 2011. From 2011 to 2013 he rode with Yamaha for three seasons before becoming an official Yamaha test rider after his retirement.
“It’s great to be racing with Yamaha again this year as the official test rider and to be able to step in if necessary is good for everyone involved. 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, ”said Crutchlow in a statement released by Yamaha.
Crutchlow will use his experience and knowledge to measure the machines.
“I think it’s difficult to set goals for these three races. 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. I should be able to collect a lot of data for Yamaha. It’s a bit like being thrown into the deep end because it’s 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. However, there will be some familiar faces for me, because Wilco Zeelenberg was my team manager in Supersport in 2009. I also competed against Johan Stigefelt a few years ago. So it will be a pleasure to be with you again. “
Team principal Razlan Razali said it was a joint decision by Yamaha and Petronas SRT to choose Crutchlow to fill Morbidelli’s place as the Italian recovers from his knee injury.
“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 lend a hand here to help Yamaha. “
“Cal will be able to collect a few good kilometers on our M1, which should help him with his testing and development work for Yamaha. Cal will replace Franco for the next three races. 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. I am sure he is ready for the challenge. “
Crutchlow achieved six podiums in three seasons between 2011 and 2013. 2014 with the Tech 3 Yamaha satellite team. He then moved to Ducati for a season and took a podium before moving to Team LCR Honda in 2015.
