Cal Crutchlow will join Fabio Quartararo at Yamaha’s factory MotoGP squad for the British Grand Prix next weekend, while Moto2 rider Jake Dixon will ride for the Petronas SRT team.
The latest news from Yamaha comes in the wake of confirmation that it has split from Maverick Vinales.
Vinales will therefore remain on the side-lines for the rest of the 2021 campaign before joining Aprilia for next season, with Crutchlow taking the Spaniard’s empty berth for the Silverstone round of the series.
The Briton was originally scheduled to compete in three events for the Petronas SRT Yamaha satellite outfit subbing for the injured Franco Morbidelli, with his home round at Silverstone due to be his final outing for the Malaysian squad.
His seat therefore will be filled by Jake Dixon, the Petronas SRT Moto2 ace getting his premier class bow at his home contest.
Yamaha has not determined its plans beyond the upcoming Silverstone round.
“It’s a privilege to be a part of Yamaha and to do what originally was supposed to be three races for the Petronas Yamaha Sepang Racing Team, but the plans have changed,” said Crutchlow.
“I want to thank them and I look forward to riding with the Factory Team.”
Dixon meanwhile added that he was stoked to finally achieve his “lifelong goal” to compete in the premier class, saying he hasn’t “been able to sleep” in anticipation of his MotoGP debut.
“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,” said Dixon.
“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.
“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”.
Dixon is one of several riders – including fellow Petronas SRT riders Darryn Binder and Xavi Vierge – in contention for one of the two Sepang Racing seats next season following the retirement of Rossi and expected exit of Morbidelli to the factory team.
Dixon’s British GP outing will effectively be a try-out session, with Binder also rumoured to potentially receive a MotoGP chance later in the season at the team, potentially facilitated by Morbidelli stepping up early to the factory team.
