CRUTCHLOW SAYS GONZALEZ DESERVES A 2027 MOTOGP SEAT

Cal Crutchlow believes Manuel Gonzalez has earned a place on the 2027 MotoGP grid and says the Moto2 rider’s omission is an “unfortunate story.”

Gonzalez arrived at the Malaysian Grand Prix leading Izan Guevara by 5.5 points in the Moto2 championship. Guevara is set to move up with Pramac next season, while Daniel Holgado, David Alonso and Senna Agius have also secured premier-class seats with Gresini, LCR and Tech3 respectively. Gonzalez had been strongly linked to Tech3, but the ride went to his Intact teammate Agius. Some critics have suggested Agius’s Australian nationality influenced the decision.

Speaking to Manuel Pecino’s YouTube channel, Crutchlow rejected the idea that nationality alone explains the selection. He pointed instead to the stronger development systems in Spain and Italy, noting that 15 of the 22 riders contracted for next year come from those countries.

“Spain and Italy have a better system for kids racing motorcycles,” Crutchlow said. He argued that Britain has talented young riders but lacks the infrastructure to develop them, adding that even sending children to Spain does not make up for the support system missing at home.

Crutchlow also pushed back against the suggestion that MotoGP’s organisers are trying to diversify the grid to attract new markets at the expense of Spanish riders. “This I don’t agree with,” he said of Gonzalez missing out. “You can’t do what he’s done and not be selected for MotoGP, in my opinion.”

Gonzalez has reportedly felt overlooked for reasons outside his control. Every 250cc or Moto2 world champion since Manuel Poggiali in 2003 has eventually reached the premier class, although not all made the move immediately. Johann Zarco, for example, had to win consecutive Moto2 titles before getting his opportunity.

Former rival Jake Dixon has called it a “crime” that Gonzalez does not yet have a MotoGP seat. The 24-year-old considered switching to World Superbikes and held discussions with BMW and Ducati, but those talks did not lead to a deal. He has since signed a new contract with Intact.

A reported €30,000 signing bonus for Moto2 teams hiring riders from outside Spain has added to speculation that efforts are being made to broaden the grid’s national mix. For Crutchlow, however, Gonzalez’s results should have been enough to secure promotion.