Most MotoGP insiders are now saying the same thing about Cal Crutchlow after hand injury

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Yamaha will hit the track this weekend as the first of MotoGP’s pre-season tests kick off at the Sepang circuit in Malaysia.

The team will be bolstered by the addition of Andrea Dovizioso for the weekend, who brings a tremendous amount of experience to the table for them.

The 15-time winner will return after over two years away from the sport in one of the toughest climates on the calendar.

Although some Ducati riders declined extra testing, some have been in Indonesia at the Mandalika circuit this week to prepare for the humid conditions of Malaysia.

It’s one of the toughest challenges for the riders and going into such a climate after time away will offer a huge challenge to Dovizioso.

He’s part of Yamaha’s plan to try and get back to the front of the grid, having dropped off the curve dramatically over the last few seasons.

Cal Crutchlow may never ride a MotoGP bike again after hand injury

MotoGP champion Fabio Quartararo faces one of the most difficult issues at Yamaha as he overrides his bikes in an attempt to extract extra performance.

The team are aware that they must find a way to move forward soon, but even though the gap to the front is small, competition is so fierce that finding gains is incredibly hard.

Cal Crutchlow’s hand injury has been a problem for a while now after the Brit was forced to miss his home race last year which he was due to enter as a wildcard.

READ MORE: Davide Tardozzi was ‘perplexed’ by one big decision Cal Crutchlow made during time at Ducati

Even as a test rider, his 12 years of experience is so valuable to a team that needs to find ways of progressing.

It appears that the Japanese manufacturer may never have it again, with Autosport reporting that ‘few’ believe he will ever ride a MotoGP bike again.

When did Cal Crutchlow stop racing in MotoGP?

Crutchlow retired from full-time racing back in 2020 after the Covid-19 interrupted season won by Joan Mir.

The Brit underwent surgery last season on his right hand but continued to suffer pain after the procedure which caused him to miss the British Grand Prix.

He lost the tip of his finger in an ugly accident where his hand became stuck under the handlebars of his Yamaha in 2022.

His hopes of returning to action are fading by the day, and at the age of 39, it may be time to say goodbye to the three-time race winner.

The last of his victories came at the 2018 Argentina Grand Prix for LCR Honda in wet conditions, where he became the first non-factory championship leader in 14 years.