Crutchlow in for Wildcard Ride

Cycle News Staff | July 26, 2023

Yamaha announced test rider and former race winner Cal Crutchlow will compete as a wildcard at the Japanese MotoGP at Motegi, September 29-October 1.

Cal Crutchlow, MotoGP, Valencia MotoGP, 4 November 2022
After almost a full year away from racing, Cal Crutchlow will be back on the grid in Japan.

Crutchlow has been on a vigorous testing schedule in Europe and his appearance at Motegi will allow for more data to be collected by a manufacturer limited to just two full-time bikes on the grid after losing their satellite operation to Aprilia at the end of 2022.

“We are very happy with Cal,” Yamaha Team Manager Maio Meregalli told Motorsport-Total.

“In addition, we are pushing to increase the number of training days in Europe.

“We have already decided that this year we will do a wildcard in Motegi, and I hope there will be a second one.”

Crutchlow formally retired at the end of 2020 but did a six-race stint to replace the retiring Andrea Dovizioso last year. CN

 

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