Cal Crutchlow will ride for the Yamaha factory team in British GP, as Moto2’s Jake Dixon is handed his MotoGP debut with Petronas SRT.
With Maverick Vinales out of Yamaha and Franco Morbidelli recovering from his knee surgery, Crutchlow will line-up alongside Fabio Quatararo abode the factory team’s M1 in his home event at Silverstone next week, for the British GP.
Crutchlow was due to ride the ‘A-spec’ M1 for Petronas SRT alongside Valentino Rossi at Silverstone after riding it in both the Austrian races, as a replacement to Morbidelli. But for the Silverstone weekend, he will move up to the factory Yamaha machine.
Morbidelli’s bike, therefore, will be ridden by Moto2’s Jake Dixon, as the British rider is handed his MotoGP debut by Petronas SRT in his home event. This makes it two native riders at Silverstone in the premier class for the 2021 edition of British GP.
“It’s a privilege to be a part of Yamaha and to do what originally was supposed to be three races for Petronas SRT, but the plans have changed,” said Crutchlow, who finished 17th in both the races. “I want to thank them and I look forward to riding with the Factory Team.”
Dixon, meanwhile, who is 19th in Moto2 standings, stated: “It’s been a lifelong goal to make it into the MotoGP class. So to get the opportunity to do it for one GP this year, on the bike that I always wanted to – the Yamaha YZR-M1 – and to do it at home is something really special. It is going to be very difficult but I’m looking forward to jumping on the big bike, even though it’s different, and it’s very exciting.
“I haven’t been able to sleep because I’ve just been thinking about it. It’s a dream come true. I’m going to give my all to do the best I can for the team and I want to say a massive thank you to them for this opportunity. Also to Yamaha for believing in me as well. I don’t have any targets, I’m just aiming to enjoy it and gather all the experience I can. I just want to wish Franco a speedy recovery and that we can see him back at the track soon.”
Team boss Razlan Razali, added: “This is a unique opportunity for Jake Dixon to show what he can do and explore his potential on a Yamaha YZR-M1. We are not setting any particular targets regarding results; it is an opportunity for experience at his home GP, while Franco Morbidelli continues his recovery.
“This is a one-off opportunity, and we wanted one of our family of riders to have this chance aboard the MotoGP bike. As it is his home Grand Prix, it is a circuit that Jake knows well and it will be great for the British fans to have another rider in the premier class. We also thank Cal Crutchlow for his contribution to the team during the past two GPs and we wish him all the best for next weekend.”
Here’s news on Yamaha and Maverick Vinales parting ways