MotoGP: Yamaha Confirms Cal Crutchlow's Withdrawal from Italian Wild-Card Entry; Here's Why

Yamaha announced Cal Crutchlow won't be racing at Mugello in an unexpected turn of events. Both fans and Yamaha were disappointed by this since they had hoped he'd be a wild card. The 38-year-old English rider from Coventry recently underwent surgery on his right hand to address persistent pain, which has complicated his racing plans.

According to the team's social media post: 'Yamaha regrets to announce that Cal Crutchlow will not be taking part in the Italian GP as a wild card. The official test rider was suffering from right-hand pain this year and underwent a procedure to fix it. However, complications prohibit him from entering the Italian GP.'

Yamaha regret to announce that @calcrutchlow will not be taking part in the Italian GP as a wild card. The official test rider was suffering from right hand pain this year and underwent a procedure to fix it. However, complications prohibit him from entering the Italian GP. pic.twitter.com/QCH7c2J2eY

— Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP (@YamahaMotoGP) May 20, 2024

Also Read: MotoGP: Quartararo Happy After 'Unlucky' Crash in Home Race, Here is why

MotoGP 2024: Cal Crutchlow

Besides his testing responsibilities, Cal Crutchlow was supposed to compete in three MotoGP races in 2024: the Italian Grand Prix at Mugello, the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, and the San Marino Grand Prix at Misano. For the 2024 season, Yamaha can use six wildcard entries every race, according to the revised concession rules. It is unclear if Yamaha will use Crutchlow for future races since that he will not be competing in the Italian Grand Prix.

With just 28 points after five races in the 2024 MotoGP season, Yamaha is off to a rough start. Currently, the Japanese squad is eleven points ahead of Honda in the constructors' standings, putting them in fourth place.

Also Read: After F1 & Formula E, MotoGP's India Return Under Threat: Kazakhstan to Take India's Spot

To improve the bike's performance, Yamaha has appointed former Ducati engineer Max Bartolini to a prominent position. There have also been talks about forming a satellite team to increase Yamaha's presence in 2025. The concession rules have their benefits, but you might not immediately see major changes.