Monster Yamaha's Cal Crutchlow is chasing the 2011 MotoGP Rookie of the Year crown at the Valencia season finale this weekend and only has to finish in front of Pacemaker Ducati's Karel Abraham to win that accolade.
Crutchlow is a single point ahead of the Czech Republic rider who currently has 56. The Coventry man will also get his first taste of the 2012M1 early next week when he tests the new 1000cc bike but will be without wingman Colin Edwards who has been replaced by Josh Hayes through injury.
“This weekend isn't going to be easy for anybody in the paddock after Marco's accident in Malaysia, but racing is the best way we can honour him and I'm sure that is definitely what he would have wanted. MotoGP lost an amazing character and a phenomenally gifted rider and my thoughts and prayers are with Marco's family and friends," said Crutchlow.
"All of us will go out this weekend determined to put on a good show that Marco would be proud of. I also want to wish Colin a speedy recovery and I'm looking forward to seeing him back on track soon. Valencia was the first place I rode the Yamaha YZR-M1 a year ago and I've come on leaps and bounds since then, so hopefully I can finish the season on a high. The Rookie of the Year title is at stake and I'll be proud to win it after a close battle with Karel all season.
"I'm also looking forward to testing the new Yamaha 1000cc bike next week. The bike has been very impressive in Brno and Misano and I'm really excited to see what 2012 has in store.”
