HM Plant Honda's Cal Crutchlow will move to the factory Yamaha World Supersport team for 2009, it has been revealed this afternoon.
In what's been a not-very-well kept secret, Crutchlow has been in talks with the team for several weeks as well as evaluating other options in world racing.
“I’m really looking forward to the experience. To go into what is in my eyes the top team in the World Supersport paddock and have the opportunity to challenge for a world title with Yamaha is very exciting. I’m really looking forward to next season, I can’t wait," said Crutchlow.
“It’s always sad to leave a team, especially one as professional and well-run as HM Plant Honda. This season it felt like I was coming home after winning the 2006 British Supersport title with Honda, but I’ve never made a secret of my desire to move onto the world stage as soon as possible and with the opportunity I’ve been presented with, now is the time to do that.
"With my plans for 2009 sorted and with just two rounds to go in this season's British Superbike championship, I can now concentrate on doing the best I can to reward the team with more wins and podiums as I concentrate on regaining second place in the championship.”
Wilco Zeelenberg, Yamaha World Supersport Team Manager, said: “We’ve been talking to many strong riders over the last couple of months and have been following Cal’s progress this year in The British Superbike Championship, he’s really impressed us. We’re convinced that his riding style will suit our YZF R6 very well. He’s a very good Supersport rider, we know that coming from Superbikes to Supersport riders don’t have any issues with speed."