Williams MotoGP eSport rider Cristian Montenegro Sánchez has been re-signed by Suzuki for 2021, following consistent resutls in 2019 and 2020.
Photo credit: Milestone
Cristian ‘Williams_Cristian’ Montenegro Sanchez has been retained by Suzuki Ecstar Esports Team and Williams Esports for the 2021 MotoGP eSport Championship season, after finishing third in the MotoGP eSport Global Series in 2020 MotoGP eSport Championship and 2019. This news comes just before the start of this years’ Global Series, the first round of which will take place on Friday, June 11.
Third time’s a charm?
The partnership between Cristian and Suzuki began back in 2019, which was the first year in which the Spaniard competed for the Japanese constructor in MotoGP eSports. At this point, Cristian’s teammate was his own brother, Adrian ‘adriaan_26’ Montenegro, who also signed for Suzuki in that year. Come the end of the 2019 season, Cristian was in the championship hunt, but he ended up finishing third overall. Adrian, meanwhile, ended the season in fifth.
A great combination continues! 🔵@suzukimotogp and @mmandzukic17_ stay together for 2021! 🙌#eSportshttps://t.co/zEgkcabRH3
— MotoGP eSport (@MotoGPeSport) June 9, 2021
The fraternal duo split up for 2020, with Adrian blazing a new trail at Red Bull KTM Factory Racing. He went on to win the championship that year, with Cristian once again picking up third place. Cristian displayed consistency in his two campaigns, and no doubt he will be hoping to build on that and regain the upper hand on his brother in 2021.
Suzuki shows faith in Cristian
News of the deal comes after a slightly disappointing Pro Draft qualification from Cristian, who made it into the draft as the eleventh seed in Europe. Nevertheless, it is evident that Cristian’s performances over the last two seasons were enough to override this temporary blip and for Suzuki to maintain faith with their rider.
Shinichi Sahara, project leader and team director for Team Suzuki Esctar talked of the Spaniard’s “concentration, dedication, precision”. On top of this, Sahara noted that Cristian is a good fit for the team off-track as well, referring in particular to his “good relationship with Alex Rins and Joan Mir”, the team’s riders in MotoGP itself.
Cristian, in his quote, similarly stated that he has “always felt at home within this great family”. He also spoke of his conviction that he “will soon achieve (the championship)” and talked of repaying “their trust in me by achieving ‘the ultimate goal’”. Whether or not he can deliver on this will come down to the eight races of the MotoGP eSport Global Series, which will run from June 11 until November 12.
How do you think Cristian will fare in 2021? Tell us on Twitter at @OverTake_gg or in the comments down below!
