Cal Crutchlow joins Petronas Yamaha SRT for the next three GPs

Cal Crutchlow will be stepping in for Franco Morbidelli for the Styrian, Austrian and British GP.

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Former MotoGP rider Cal Crutchlow will be making his way out of retirement as he has agreed to race for the Petronas Yamaha Sepang Racing Team (SRT) as a replacement for Franco Morbidelli for the next three races. The Frenchman has sustained injuries and will not be fit to race until his recovery.

The 35 -year-old British rider will race in the two Grands Prix in Austria and the British Grand Prix at Silverstone for the 2021 season.

Crutchlow is no stranger to Yamaha’s MotoGP machinery as he began his career in the premier class in 2011 with the Japanese manufacturer. He rode for three seasons with Yamaha from 2011 to 2013, before becoming Yamaha’s official test rider after he retired.

“It’s great to be back riding with Yamaha this year as the official test rider and to be able to step in when necessary is good for all parties. I’m looking forward to riding for Petronas Yamaha SRT in the three Grands Prix. Obviously, it’s not in the best circumstances and I wish Franco a good recovery, I hope he comes back strongly after the knee surgery. I’m sure he will because he’s been riding fantastically over the last two years,” says Crutchlow in a statement released by Yamaha.

Crutchlow will make use of his experience and knowledge in gauging the machinery.

“I think it’s difficult to set targets for these three races. It will be more about understanding the bike, as I’ve had limited riding days this year. The good thing will be that I can compare the bikes. I should be able to gather a lot of data for Yamaha. It’s a bit like being thrown in the deep end, as it’s a very competitive MotoGP class. But I’m really looking forward to it and it’s going to be good to be back on the grid. I’m looking forward to meeting the team in Austria. Although there will be some familiar faces for me because Wilco Zeelenberg was my Team Manager in Supersport in 2009. I also raced against Johan Stigefelt some years ago. So it’s going to be a pleasure to be back with them.”

Team principal Razlan Razali said it was a joint decision between Yamaha and Petronas SRT to choose Crutchlow to fill Morbidelli’s place as the Italian rider recovers from his knee injury.

“After looking at all the options, it was a collective decision between Yamaha and ourselves to ask Cal Crutchlow to fill in for Franco, while he recovers from surgery. Cal is a credible and experienced rider, who is currently a test rider for Yamaha. As an independent team, this is where we can really step up to help Yamaha.”

“Cal will be able to rack up some good mileage on our M1, which should aid him with his testing and development work for Yamaha. Cal will replace Franco for the next three races. We have no real targets for him in terms of results. We will do all we can to help support him and make him feel comfortable in the team. He’s already familiar with some of the key people in the team, which helps. I’m sure he’s up for the challenge.”

Crutchlow achieved six podium finishes over three seasons, between 2011 and 2013. In 2014 with Tech 3 Yamaha satellite team. He then joined Ducati for one season gaining one podium win before heading to Team LCR Honda in 2015.