Cal Crutchlow Testing M1 At Japan

Cal Crutchlow, a new Yamaha Tech3 rider for MotoGP next season has begun the preparation for his debut with M1 on MotoGP after a private test session at Japan.

“The M1 felt a lot smaller than my Yamaha R1 superbike,” he said. “I actually found the positioning more comfortable than the WSB machine. There is a lot of power but it feels very useable, it felt very different to a production based machine in terms of its delivery. 

“In the wet we used the normal steel brakes but when it started to dry I had a chance to try the carbon ones which were cool, I managed to get quite comfortable with them. I found the chassis very stiff, it was really easy to change direction and the electronics were really different, even more advanced than the high level I'm used to in Superbike! 

“It was a shame the weather wasn't great so I wasn't able to push to the bike's full potential, I'm really looking forward to the Valencia test so I can get back on it and give it a proper work out!”

Colin Edwards Signed 1 Year With Yamaha Tech 3 For 2011

Colin Edwards signed a one-year contact with Monster Yamaha Tech 3 for 2011 season. This official statement from Edwards also brake the speculation rumors for his future.

“I’ve finally come to an agreement with Hervé and Yamaha. I’m happy to stay and it’s been a long relationship with Yamaha, I think 1986 was my first contract with them back in my motocross days! I want to say a big thanks to Hervé because along with Yamaha he made it happen,” said Edwards.

“I don’t know if next year will be my last one, I’m just looking forward to pushing as we normally do and riding hard. If Yamaha need something I’m always there, the other three Yamaha guys are going to be young. I’m just looking to fight and have fun.”

Poncharal was just as pleased to be able to confirm the 2011 line-up for his team and said: “I’m happy that even though we have a few races to go for this season we have decided that we will have Cal Crutchlow and Colin Edwards in 2011. Colin, Tech 3, Yamaha and myself all agreed that we will have another year together. Colin has been really good to Yamaha and to Tech 3 and has given us lots of great moments with some really good results.”

“This is a good line-up and for sure Cal will be looking forward to hearing Colin’s advice and hopefully he can help him like he helped James Toseland and, this year, Ben Spies. This year the atmosphere between Colin and Ben has been excellent.”

Commenting on the aim for 2011 Poncharal concluded: “I think Colin wants to do one more season in MotoGP and he’s shown that even though he’s not in a position to win races he’s fast enough to be a strong MotoGP rider and brings a lot of information to the team and the factory. He’s helping us to strengthen and I think he’ll be like an advisor for Cal.”

Commenting on his link-up with 24 year-old British rider Crutchlow, who will arrive from WSBK, Edwards added: “I think it will be interesting. I don’t know Cal well but he’s young, he’s hungry and he’s ready so I’ll be here to help out if I can. I’m still looking for that first win so I’m still hungry too!”

Cal Crutchlow Officially Move To Yamaha Tech 3

Crutchlow finally sign 2 years contract with Yamaha Tech 3 team for MotoGP. Crutchlow will replace Ben Spies that move to Yamaha Racing Team. 

Cal Crutchlow

“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. Joining MotoGP is like a dream come true for me, and I want to thank Yamaha and Hervé Poncharal for giving me such a wonderful opportunity. Yamaha have been fantastic to me and without their incredible support I wouldn't be where I am today. And I'm really looking forward to working with the Tech 3 Team. They are a very professional team with a lot of experience and I'm sure they will be able to help me develop even more as a rider. I am under no illusions about how difficult this challenge will be. But I have always loved a challenge and I'm relishing this one. 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.”

Hervé Poncharal – Team Manager

“I am delighted that a rider of Cal's calibre will ride for the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team. He has shown with his World Supersport success in 2009 and with a series of outstanding performances in World Superbikes this year what an exciting prospect he is for the future. I think he is ready to test himself against the very best in the world and I'm really looking forward to working with him. He is a very talented rider and he has an unbelievable desire to succeed. 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. I am sure the combination of Cal, Yamaha and Tech 3 will be a strong one and I can't wait to start this exciting new adventure in our history.”

Monster Yamaha Tech 3 press release