Crutchlow "very far in discussions" with Yamaha over test role
Outgoing LCR Honda rider Cal Crutchlow has revealed he is "very far in discussions" with Yamaha over a MotoGP test role for 2021.
Crutchlow lost his Honda ride at LCR earlier this year when Pol Espargaro was signed by the factory squad, necessitating HRC to place Alex Marquez at LCR – with Takaaki Nakagami at the time all but guaranteed to stay put.
The three-time MotoGP race winner was reported to have a pre-agreement in place with Aprilia for a race seat in 2021, but it was only one of intent and expired last month.
It was rumoured Crutchlow was closing in on a Yamaha test rider deal, something that was only heightened when Andrea Dovizioso announced he would be taking a sabbatical in 2021.
Crutchlow has since confirmed discussions are at an advanced staged ahead of the European Grand Prix, stating: "The truth is that I'm in very far discussions with Yamaha and I think in the very near future we will come to an agreement that we're both happy with.
"It's a project I'm very interested in to do, it's something which suits me very well after this season with regards to my knowledge of MotoGP, my experience in MotoGP, my speed.
"I think it's something that can work well. I informed Aprilia that I didn't want to do that project. I would not be following that anymore."
When asked why he elected against the Aprilia option, Crutchlow added: "I have my own reasons but that's probably not to be discussed on here or now as well.
"It's not the timing for it. I believe that I made the correct decision. You have to go with your heart and your feeling.
"And I chose a different way to what everybody expected probably."
Crutchlow nearing an appointment at Yamaha all but signals the end of Jorge Lorenzo's time as its test rider, with the three-time world champion confirming last month a role at Aprilia was an option.
Crutchlow won the 2009 World Supersport title with Yamaha and stepped up to MotoGP with marque in 2011 with Tech3 and scored six podiums between 2012 and 2013.
Taking on a test role with Yamaha essentially ends Crutchlow's full-time racing career, but says he is talking with Yamaha over potential wildcard appearances as part of a potential deal.
"We're in discussion, at the end of the day we're in discussion about a lot of things and maybe that is one of them and maybe it's not," he said.
Related video
Rossi cleared to race in Valencia GP after negative COVID tests
Espargaro not "super nervous" to get first MotoGP win
Rolex 24: Ganassi Cadillacs top final GTP practice at Daytona
Renger van der Zande produced fastest lap for Chip Ganassi Racing Cadillac in the new GTP class’s final systems check before tomorrow’s 61st Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona.
Harvick still 'the guy' at SHR, but Briscoe finding his voice
It wasn’t that long ago Chase Briscoe was just hoping to secure a fulltime ride in the NASCAR Cup Series and he could soon be the veteran driver at one of the sport’s top organizations.
WEC assessing Sebring alternative for US round from 2024
The FIA World Endurance Championship has admitted that it is examining alternatives to Sebring for the US round of the series from 2024.
Taylor: "Worn out" error reset button better than Rolex 24 limp mode
Ricky Taylor has zero worries over the pace of the new Acura ARX-06, but believes the new GTP cars will encounter several sensor issues over the course of the Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona.
The other Suzuki signing that could transform Honda's MotoGP form
Following Suzuki's decision to quit MotoGP, both of its former riders have landed at Honda for 2023. But perhaps its biggest signing from the now-defunct team could instead be a highly-rated technical manager. Is Ken Kawauchi the right man at the right time to steer HRC back to glory?
How the MotoGP paddock has offered refuge to Suzuki's former team
Suzuki's unexpected departure left more than 40 professionals virtually jobless for the 2023 MotoGP season. But that human drama has been successfully corrected by the paddock itself, with most former Suzuki crew members absorbed into other operations.
How one MotoGP team went from title challengers to losing it all in four years
The Petronas Sepang Racing Team came into MotoGP with a bang in 2019 as regular front-runners, with wonder rookie Fabio Quartararo mounting a title challenge in 2020. But it all went wrong for the Razlan Razali-helmed squad as the team changed hands and tumbled down the order - and RNF Racing plans to right this in 2023
Is Marc Marquez ready to reclaim his MotoGP throne?
Marc Marquez’s sixth premier MotoGP title seems a long time ago given the injury woes he has faced in the three years since. At the end of a fraught 2022, in which he had a fourth major operation on his right arm, the Spaniard speaks exclusively to Motorsport.com.
How MotoGP's underachiever is working to reverse its fortunes in 2023
As European manufacturers emerged as the strongest force in 2022 in a changing of the guard for MotoGP, one powerhouse couldn’t quite match the feats of Ducati and Aprilia. Its motorsport chief tells Motorsport.com why this is and what it is doing to become a consistent frontrunner in the class of kings
How MotoGP riders are preparing for the physical stress of sprint races
With the expansion of the calendar to 21 grands prix and the introduction of sprint races, the 2023 MotoGP season will take the riders to almost 1,300 kilometres of more competition than this year, a factor that forces adjustments in their physical preparations.
Luca Marini: Why he's more than just Valentino Rossi's brother
Surname pressure is something many have had to deal with in their motorsport careers. And while Luca Marini doesn’t have that, his familial relation and the team he rides for in MotoGP have cast a brighter spotlight on his progress. But, as he has shown in 2022 – and as he reveals to Motorsport.com – Marini is so much more than just the brother of a legend.
Ranking the top 10 MotoGP riders of 2022
The 2022 MotoGP season was another hotly contested championship, with Francesco Bagnaia emerging as the title winner after the campaign went to the wire. Motorsport.com picks out the 10 best performers of the season
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.