PORTIMAO – Cal Crutchlow will end his relationship with Honda at the end of the 2020 season. Choosing to join Yamaha, Crutchlow rejected an offer from Honda to become a replacement racer starting next season.
Crutchlow did not continue his cooperation with Honda after five and six seasons defending their satellite team, namely LCR Honda. The British racer also chose to anchor his old team, namely Yamaha.
However, Crutchlow will no longer hold the status of a racer on the team. He will work as a test rider or test rider at Yamaha starting next year. Crutchlow replaces the role of Jorge Lorenzo who previously worked in that position throughout the 2020 season.
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Before choosing to move to Yamaha, Crutchlow admitted that Honda was offered a position as a substitute racer. However, he refused because he thought there was a possibility that he would be involved more in racing.
“I never got anything from them in writing, but the plan is more towards a replacement racer. I like Alberto Puig, I always say he has had a big influence on my Honda offerings over the years, “said Crutchlow, as quoted from the Paddock GP, Wednesday (11/18/2020).
“He has always supported me. He’s like me, alright. He was disappointed to find out earlier in the season that I was no longer with Honda. But, not everything is in his hands, I understand the situation, “he continued.
“Alberto wants to keep me at HRC in one way or another. But as a substitute racer, it will be tough work like about MotoGP and the Superbike World Championship. I am not too interested because in MotoGP and WSBK there will be six riders that I can replace, ”he said.
“So maybe I have to run all year long. However, I am very grateful and always speak very openly and honestly with Alberto. What I also like, he was very happy when I told him about my agreement with Yamaha, “explained Crutchlow.
Honda has now been rumored to be looking for riders who can be used as reserves for next season. Because, their flagship racer, namely Marc Marquez, is doubtful about being able to perform fully throughout MotoGP 2021.
Now, Marquez himself is still struggling to heal his injury. In order to recover, Marquez has a big chance of having to get back on the operating table for the third time since he injured his right arm.
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