Crutchlow 'unlikely' to stay with Yamaha in 2014

Britain's Cal Crutchlow says he is unlikely to remain with Yamaha in MotoGP next year as he believes they have got their factory and satellite squads sorted already and he will be riding elsewhere in the 2014 season.

Crutchlow is looking for a two-year deal but says he wants a good package and is considering every angle. Although the Isle of Man resident wouldn't be drawn on whom he is talking to, only Ducati have the scope to give him a multi-year deal on a factory bike.

The Monster Yamaha rider hasn't got a timeframe in mind for signing a contract but says things could move this weekend at the Sachsenring or further on when MotoGP reaches Brno in August.

"Some things could happen tonight, some things could happen Monday and things could happen in Brno. That's how open and up in the air it is. I have a plan for what I want to do and for what should happen and hopefully it will work but I can't really say I am going to do this or that because it really depends what I get offered," said Crutchlow, speaking at the Sachsenring.

"I'm not talking in terms of bike or of salary or value or this or that, I'm talking about the whole package. I have to look at every single angle because for sure I can go and take a one-year deal and be up against everyone at the end of next year. 

"If I get offered a two-year deal that I am happy enough with, why not take it. There are so many different things that could happen and things that I know about behind the scenes. I aven't written off staying with Yamaha but does it look likely? No. But that's because they're not willing to offer me anything. 

"That's through no fault of Herve (Poncharal, team boss), no fault of anybody I don't think, they have got a situation where they have already got their teams." 

By David Miller

Image by Bonnie Lane