Cal Crutchlow Returns to Yamaha MotoGP Testing

V4 or Inline-Four? Yamaha’s Valencia Test Puts Crutchlow Back in the Hot Seat! 

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British rider Cal Crutchlow is set to make his comeback to Yamaha’s MotoGP testing program this week at a private test in Valencia, marking his first track appearance since recovering from a hand injury that sidelined him for nearly a year.

Crutchlow, who serves as Yamaha’s official test rider, had been forced to postpone his planned wild-card entries and testing duties due to complications following surgery on his right hand. His return signals a full recovery, with Yamaha Motorsport Director Paolo Pavesio confirming to Speedweek.com: “Finally, Cal is 100 percent recovered from his hand injury. He hasn’t ridden for a very long time, but his test rider duties will now begin again.”

The 38-year-old will share testing responsibilities with Augusto Fernández, the former KTM rider who joined Yamaha’s test team in 2025. Fernández, who recently substituted for the injured Miguel Oliveira at Pramac Racing, arrives in Valencia fresh from scoring points with a 13th-place finish at the Grand Prix of the Americas. “From here, I’ll fly straight to Valencia for two days of testing, so it’s going to be a busy week for me,” Fernández confirmed after Sunday’s Qatar Grand Prix.

While Yamaha has remained tight-lipped about the specifics of the Valencia test, speculation continues to swirl around the development of its rumoured V4-powered prototype. Motorsport.com reports that the team “plans to test the V4 engine” this week, while Speedweek suggests the focus will remain on refining updates for the current inline-four M1—a machine that carried Fabio Quartararo to a front-row start in Qatar.

Honda’s test squad, featuring Aleix Espargaró and Stefan Bradl, is also expected to participate in the Valencia sessions, adding to the intrigue surrounding the private test.

Crutchlow’s return provides Yamaha with renewed firepower in its development push as the manufacturer seeks to close the gap to Ducati and reigning champion Pecco Bagnaia. Further updates are anticipated at Yamaha’s next scheduled test in Jerez.