Crutchlow seals MotoGP move
Added on Monday, September 6th, 2010 by Carole Nash Editor
Crutchlow seals MotoGP move
Cal Crutchlow will fly the flag for Britain in MotoGP next season after the Yamaha World Superbike rider confirmed a move to Tech 3 Yamaha for 2011, with Gresini Honda rider Marco Melandri moving to the Yamaha WSB team.
Crutchlow had been linked with a move to the Yamaha satellite team after an impressive past two years, which have seen him secure the World Supersport title and make an impression in World Superbikes.
Rumours of a move to MotoGP intensified when Valentino Rossi was ruled out of action in MotoGP through injury, with the Coventry-born rider reportedly approached to step in and fill the void on a temporary measure. The 24-year-old turned down that opportunity but speculation continued as Valentino Rossi’s move to Ducati looked increasingly likely.
Crutchlow will take over from American Ben Spies, who has been promoted to the factory Yamaha team, and the announcement means that Britain will again have a MotoGP representative, after James Toseland lost his ride at Tech 3 at the end of 2009.
“Being part of the Yamaha Sterilgarda World Superbike Team has been fantastic,” said Crutchlow. “When I first signed with Yamaha for the 2009 World Supersport Championship we went on to win the World Championship and the natural progression was to move to World Superbike. It was an honour to be asked to be part of the team and to remain as part of the Yamaha family.
“Now I’m again taking another step and I am being brought through to the Tech3 Team as they have done with other riders such as Ben Spies in the past. I first rode for Yamaha in 2003 in the R6 Cup so have a great history with them.
“Moving to MotoGP is a great opportunity for me. It was an honour to be asked by Herve Poncharal and for Yamaha to back me. I intend to do the best job I can with the team next year, be humble, learn and enjoy the experience.”
“I’m delighted we had the opportunity to work with Cal to take the World Supersport title last year and compete this year in World Superbike,” said Laurens Klein Koerkamp, Yamaha Motor Europe Racing Manager. “On one side we would have liked to go for the World Superbike title in 2011 but given the opportunities at this moment for Yamaha and Cal it is a great move. Again we are showing that our policy of bringing young riders up through the various racing classes to the top tier in MotoGP is proving successful.
“Cal deserves this opportunity. He is a highly professional racer and completely dedicated to training for success. We believe he has what it takes to fight for success at the highest levels.”
Melandri will take Crutchlow’s seat with the Yamaha WSB team, potentially opening the door for Andrea Dovizioso to take a factory-backed bike with Gresini Honda.
