In an unexpected turn, Cal Crutchlow has announced he will not participate in the Italian Grand Prix at Mugello, a disappointment for Yamaha and its fans. The 38-year-old rider from Coventry underwent surgery on his right hand due to persistent pain, which has now led to complications, forcing him to withdraw from the race.
Crutchlow’s Statement: “Unfortunately, I will not be able to race at Mugello at the end of May. Post-operative complications with my right hand have forced me to make this difficult decision. It’s frustrating, especially for the team who counted on me to test new developments on the M1 and collect valuable data.”
Yamaha had high hopes for Crutchlow’s technical expertise and feedback to enhance their bike’s performance. A Yamaha spokesperson confirmed the setback, stating, “Cal would have been a valuable resource for us in Mugello, that’s for sure. We had various innovations to test. Now, we will have to rethink our plans for future wild cards.”
Despite this setback, Crutchlow remains optimistic about the rest of the season, focusing on recovery and aiming to participate in the upcoming races at Silverstone and Misano Adriatico. “I’m concentrating on my recovery to be ready for Silverstone and Misano, where I hope to be at 100% of my abilities,” Crutchlow added.
Meanwhile, Yamaha and its fans wish Crutchlow a swift recovery, hoping to see him back in action soon, contributing to the development of the Yamaha M1 in the upcoming events.