MotoGP News
Date:
15/August/2013
Cal Crutchlow has explained why he will be swapping a proven
Tech 3 Yamaha for the fickle factory Ducati in MotoGP next season.
The British star, 27, is in the form of his life, claiming
four podiums and one pole position so far this year on satellite M1 machinery.
But with Yamaha unable to guarantee a move to its factory
team in the near future, Crutchlow has decided to severe his long links with
the company for a fresh start - and full factory status - at the troubled
Ducati team.
“It was difficult decision to make because I didn't want to
leave my Tech 3 team. It wasn't a difficult decision to change manufacturer,”
Crutchlow said.
“This is a new challenge for me, it's something different.
We've been three years in MotoGP with Yamaha now and also World Supersport and
World Superbike. But sometimes it's time for a change.
“The deal that was put on the table in front of me I was
happy with, and there's no reason why I shouldn't change.
“I think it's a new motivation for me, as well and obviously
it might be a little bit different position-wise, straightaway anyway, but my
motivation is to try to bring the bike to the front.”
For a perfect illustration of the size of the challenge
ahead, Crutchlow needs to look no further than his former and future team-mate Andrea
Dovizioso.
The Italian outperformed Crutchlow at Tech 3 last year,
claiming six podiums and fourth in the World Championship, then moved to Ducati
and is only seventh in the points with a best dry race finish of fifth.
“It seems difficult for Andrea now,” conceded Crutchlow. “He's
a strong rider in the championship. He's a good class of rider. He's rode for
three different bikes, and it seems Ducati is the most difficult for him at the
moment. But things can change, and hopefully it will change before I get there.
“I'm not worried. At the end of the day, it's a motorcycle
that people have done very well on in the past and not just one rider. I will
give 100 percent and I believe my 100 percent will be good enough. If I didn't think
that, I wouldn't be racing a motorcycle.”
After winning the MotoGP title with Casey Stoner in 2007,
Ducati’s race wins halted when the Australian moved to Honda at the end of 2010
- with even MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi unable to make an impact with the
Desmosedici.
Rossi, now back at Yamaha, had this advice for Crutchlow:
“At the beginning it will be hard because the Ducati is more
difficult to bring at the limit compared to the Yamaha. But anyway, I think that
Ducati have to work a lot. I think they know they have to raise the level of
the bike and it will be interesting to see what happens.”
Until his Ducati debut, at the post season Valencia test,
Crutchlow has his sights set on claiming a debut MotoGP victory.
“My priority now is to do the best job I can for Tech 3. I
took my first podium in MotoGP with them, and they stood by me after a first
tough year. I think if there's anything we can do for the rest of the year, it
will be to try and take a win. I don't know where it will be, but I'll
definitely be trying.
“I've got nothing to lose. It doesn't matter where I am in
the championship, particularly.”
Crutchlow will take the place of Nicky Hayden, whose MotoGP
future is unconfirmed.
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