Cal Crutchlow’s WSB move sets back Gresini Moto2 project

Italian race boss Fausto Gresini reckons Cal Crutchlow’s decision to partner James Toseland in Yamaha’s factory World Superbike team has set his Moto2 rider search back by two months.

Crutchlow held lengthy talks about a Moto2 switch with Gresini’s squad, with the 23-year-old tempted by the prospect of a guaranteed Honda MotoGP switch in 2011 if successful next year.

Crutchlow though was under contract to Yamaha for 2010 and will ride a factory R1 with Toseland.

His decision to turn down Gresini has meant former 125GP world champion Gresini has had to go back to the drawing board in his rider search.

He told MCN: “We were working for a long time to sign Cal but finally he will stay with Yamaha in WSB. Cal was a very interesting option for Moto2 and I respect his decision, but it has delayed our plans by two months because we were waiting for him and that is the reason I’m disappointed.”