CRUTCHLOW TAKES UP YAMAHA TEST RIDER ROLE

Cal Crutchlow takes up Yamaha test rider role – Photo: LAT

Yamaha has announced that Cal Crutchlow will take up a test rider role with the manufacturer in 2021, replacing Jorge Lorenzo.

By RHYS VANDERSYDE

The three-time MotoGP race winner will step away from fulltime in the championship but could make wildcard appearances and serve as a replacement rider as part of his position within Yamaha Motor Racing organisation.

It will be a return of sorts for Crutchlow, who won the 2009 World Supersport Championship (WorldSSP) with Yamaha stepping up to the World Superbike Championship in 2010 and graduating to make his MotoGP debut in 2011 with Yamaha‘s satellite team at the time, Tech3.

“Well, first and foremost I would like to say ‘welcome back’ to Cal.” said Lin Jarvis, Yamaha Motor Racing Managing Director.

“I still remember Cal‘s first visit to YMR many years ago as fresh World Supersport Champion and recall he expressed his desire to move onwards and upwards to MotoGP in the future.”

“After the initial move to Superbikes, he then spent three seasons with us in the Monster Energy Yamaha Tech3 team before moving on to gain a further seven years of experience with two of our main competitors.”

“This wealth of experience, coupled with Cal‘s honest no-nonsense approach, will surely benefit us greatly as we strive to improve our YZR-M1 bikes with a full testing programme next year.”

Jarvis also thanked Lorenzo for his contribution to the team in 2020.

“Of course, we had planned and hoped for a strong programme this year with Jorge.” Jarvis continued.

“Unfortunately, our Factory Test Team soon had to put their plans on hold as the Covid-19 pandemic started and continued to influence 2020 from March onwards.”

“It‘s regrettable that we have not been able to carry out our testing programme and realize our goals.”

“We wish Jorge all the best in his future endeavours, and we thank him for his many years of collaboration with Yamaha.”

The Brit will join Yamaha Factory Racing Test Team where he will ride the YZR-M1 at the MotoGP shakedown test, scheduled to be held in Sepang, Malaysia from 14th – 16th February.

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