2021’s game of MotoGP musical chairs continues as Cal Crutchlow returns to the factory Monster Energy Yamaha team for Silverstone’s BritishGP.
With outgoing rider Maverick Viñales now confirmed to have cut ties completely with Yamaha after four and a half years with the Japanese firm, Crutchlow returns to his role of test and replacement rider aboard the 2021 YZR-M1 for his home race.
Having originally been called up by the Petronas SRT team for a three-race deal to cover Franky Morbidelli’s knee surgery rehabilitation, the Brit’s move to the factory line up sees his substitute role covered by fellow countryman, and current Moto2 rider, Jake Dixon, for the Silverstone race.
“I’m really looking forward to riding with the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP team in Silverstone," Crutchlow announced on social media.
“It’s a privilege to be a part of Yamaha in a testing role and to do what originally was supposed to be three races for Petronas Yamaha SRT, but the plans have changed a bit, so I will now move into the Factory team,” he confirmed.
“It will give us good information in regards to the 2021 bike, which I’ve had limited days on this year, so hopefully we can find some things there. I will be working with Silvano Galbusera again, who is my testing Crew Chief. I am looking forward to it and want to thank the Petronas Yamaha Sepang Racing Team for the last couple of racing weekends.”
Silverstone will now feature two home talents on the MotoGP grid for the BritishGP, with Dixon’s Moto2 replacement yet to be confirmed.
