Cresson’s crew chief: “Let down by the father, I haven’t received anything”

As we await further MotoGP news regarding Suzuki, Superbike talk surrounding the Cresson case continues, following the split between the Belgian rider and the Italian team just prior to the Assen round. A situation that has impacted on many people, not least those working for the team, who are often not heard. One example is Massimiliano - known as Max - Nejrotti, who worked as Cresson’s crew chief and is among those most affected by the debacle.

“I was Cresson’s crew chief and telemetrist already last year when, luckily, I received everything I was owed under contract with team Pedercini. But the same can’t be said for the team, that received less than agreed from Loris’ father. This season, Didier (Cresson’s father) really wanted me to stay with Loris, who I have nothing against, stating that he would pay me directly – that should have been a sort of guarantee, but it was quite the opposite”.

What happened?

“He didn’t want to make a contract, repeating that a handshake was just as good, and that he would pay me after every test or round. We did three tests and one round, but I didn’t get anything. Cresson senior had various excuses, from the bank being closed to technical problems. Unfortunately, he owes many people in the SBK paddock money, Loris’ former manager for example, and the person who created his website but, like me, they’ll get nothing”.

Have you been able to speak with Cresson or his dad this week?

“No. They have been complaining on social media that Lucio (Pedercini) won’t take their calls, but they’ve been doing the same with me. The dad actually blocked me, his behaviour leaves no doubts as to who’s to blame for the split between Loris and the team. I’m sorry I can’t speak to Loris, as I have nothing against him - he’s always behaved correctly”.

Nejrotti: "Cresson’s dad has acted as if it were his team, without paying"

How did the split come about?

“The first problems emerged when Lucio began to consider bringing Haslam in alongside Loris, something that Didier didn’t like, as it would have taken attention off his son. But the main problem came when Didier should have paid the second tranche at Aragon. I was present and he asked Lucio how he would spend the money, an absurd thing to ask a Team Principal, before refusing to pay”.

And then?

“Didier often behaved as if the team were his own, but without paying the money he owed. The thing that made me most angry were all Didier’s complaints, when in reality he is to blame for what’s happened. Loris also didn’t fulfil all his commitments between the tests and the first round, he didn’t come to the classic Dorna start of season photo shoot for example”.

What does Loris think?

“I have little to say about Loris because I respect him, though I’m sorry he hasn't been answering the phone. His only problem is that he really struggles on the Superbike, his style just isn’t suitable. He brakes a lot while leaning, something you can’t do with the Superbike. Having said that, I think that if Loris had come to races by himself, without the whole family, he’d have lowered his times by a second”.

Translated by Heather Watson

WorldSBK, Pedercini refutes Cresson's claims: “He didn’t fulfil his obligations”