MotoGP Yamaha: Cal Cruthlow signs for two years but to do tests

From Sepang Yamaha has announced the renewal of the contract of one of its riders and it is Cal Crutchlow. The Englishman will continue to serve as a test driver with the Iwata brand for the next two seasons.

Cal Crutchlow will remain in close contact with the MotoGP and valuable help for Yamaha since he has decided to maintain his commitment to the development of the M1 for the next two seasons. It will be recalled that he ended his career as a regular driver at the end of 2020, this decision corresponding to a situation which ensured that he would lose his handlebars within his LCR Honda team.

Taking the direction of the box Lynn Jarvis to offer his services and his experience, he succeeded to Jorge Lorenzo the quick transition to this position made precarious by the health crisis. He himself succeeded Jonas Folger in an environment where the presence of a European driver in the middle of a Japanese test team was requested by those entering the world championship on the M1.

The pilot of 36 years old, winner of three MotoGP Grands Prix has since commented Sepang where he is mobilized like his other colleagues for competing brands: “ I am delighted to have been extended my role as test rider at Yamaha for the next two seasons. It seems logical to continue this collaboration as we maintain good relations. I plan to give 100% again ».

Cal Crutchlow does not have a wild card expressly noted in his contract

Yamaha did not, however, specify whether he will benefit from a wild card during this new 'mandate'. However, the events that occurred within the brand during the last year 2021, first with the injury of Franco Morbidelli then with the breakup of Maverick Vinales, led him to compete in four Grands Prix as a substitute: two with the Petronas Yamaha SRT and two with the Monster. Yamaha Energy.

Cal Crutchlow did not take to the track on the first day of shakedown at Sepang which will continue for two more days. The Englishman is only expected on Wednesday riding an M1 that the Japanese Katsuyuki Nakasuga et Kohta Nozane On the other hand, they rolled.