Super Cal’s switch to Ducati a gamble



Super Cal’s switch to Ducati a gamble
I really hope Cal Crutchlow’s two-year deal to ride for Ducati next year works out; but it’s a gamble.

It’s Cal’s first full factory ride in MotoGP and that’s the main reason for the switch, plus a pay packet that will set him up for life. But with Ducatis finishing down with the CRT bikes this year, the prospects don’t look encouraging.

Cal, who has had four podium finishes for Yamaha's satellite team Tech 3 this year, is positive, telling the BBC, “e told tI'm getting closer to the guys at the front and starting to challenge for wins.

"I don't want to take a step back, so the next thing is to be in a factory team, but it has to be the one with the right machinery."

Cal replaces 2006 world champion Nicky Hayden at Ducati and rejoins former Tech 3 team-mate Andrea Dovizioso.

But what can Ducati give Cal that will break their embarrassing reign of bad luck?

They have not won a race since Casey Stoner took victory at the Australian Grand Prix in 2010.  Dovizioso, who finished fourth for Tech 3 last year, but has struggled to make his mark for Ducati. His best placing this season has been fourth.

And seven-time MotoGP champion Rossi managed only three podiums in a two-year spell with Ducati.

Last year’s Audi takeover of Ducati promised a cash injection and investment in technology, but the most visible changes have been in management. Ducati’s Corse general manager Bernhard Gobmeier told the BBC of a two-year project to get them back to a competitive level.

But one key point is that Cal’s aggressive riding style might actually suit the Ducati; maybe they need someone that can bring a Casey Stone approach?  After all that worked three years ago,. Let’s hope so!

Cal’s Tech 3 boss Herve Poncharal tweeted that he was sad to see him go. motorcyclenews.  He said, “We will lose a friend too and not just a rider.
bbc.co.uk

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