Cal Crutchlow to Join Tech 3 Yamaha Team in 2011

Like he has hinted some one month ago, World Superbike rider Cal Crutchlow will move into the MotoGP series from as early as next season. The British rider has signed a two-year deal with the Monster Tech 3 Yamaha team from 2011. Crutchlow will replace Ben Spies, who will move to the factory Yamaha team in Rossi’s place.

“It is hard for me to explain how excited I am about the prospect of riding in MotoGP next season with the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team," said Crutchlow. "Joining MotoGP is like a dream come true for me, and I want to thank Yamaha and Herve Poncharal for giving me such a wonderful opportunity.”

Crutchlow, who is also the reigning World Supersport Champion, looks forward to competing against The Doctor, who will be riding for Ducati starting from next season. "To think I will be racing against the likes of Valentino Rossi, who I grew up being a massive fan of, is a really exciting prospect and I can't wait for 2011,” Crutchlow continued.

The last British rider to enter MotoGP was Crutchlow's team-mate James Toseland, who rode with Tech 3 in 2008 and 2009 before returning to WSBK this season. Crutchlow is currently fifth in the World Superbike standings with two rounds to go.

"Ben has proven this year that with talent, hard work and determination you can make a successful switch from World Superbikes to MotoGP. I have no doubt that Cal has the potential to emulate Ben's success in the future,” stated Tech 3 team manager Herve Poncharal. "He is a very talented rider and he has an unbelievable desire to succeed."