Jerry Burgess: Cal Crutchlow an asset to any factory

Valentino Rossi’s crew chief Jerry Burgess believes Cal Crutchlow would be a valuable asset to any factory in MotoGP as the British rider contemplates a two-year offer to join Ducati.

MCN understands that he must give an answer on his 2013 plans to Ducati management during this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix at Mugello.

Crutchlow’s second season in MotoGP has been a drastic improvement on his tough rookie campaign in 2011 and in the opening eight races of the season he has only finished outside of the top six in two.

The 26-year-old has been one of the fastest riders on track in 2012 and before last weekend’s German Grand Prix at the Sachsenring he was the leading non-factory rider in the world championship standings.

Crutchlow is seriously considering riding a GP13 Desmosedici because he hasn’t been able to secure a factory YZR-M1 off Yamaha for next season.

His priority has always been to remain with Yamaha, but the Japanese factory has maintained it wants to keep Ben Spies alongside number one rider Jorge Lorenzo in its works squad.

Burgess said it would be interesting to see Crutchlow on a Ducati and the Aussie told MCN: “He is on a very good bike where he is and he has made a quantum step this year.

“He came recommended to Yamaha from Wilco Zeelenberg who was with him in World Supersport. Wilco believed he could make it and I think he has been vindicated and Cal has proven himself. He will be an asset for any factory team as an up and comer.

“Cal is on a bike that has been developed over a number of years and the next step for him is to pick up that role and do it. Certainly he comes well recommended and he has performed well, so there is no reason why any team wouldn’t be looking at him.”