Crutchlow and Yamaha edge closer to divorce

CAL Crutchlow's future is looking increasingly unlikely to be with Yamaha.

Crutchlows options are starting to narrow as seats for the 2014 and 2015 season are becoming increasingly scarce and negotiations with Yamaha aren't going the way Crutchlow wants.

Paddock rumours suggest that Crutchlow wants to stay with Tech 3 and has asked for a two year deal from Yamaha which includes a factory package for the Tech 3 bike and a seat on a factory Yamaha for the 2014 season. Both Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo's contracts are up for renewal at the end of 2014.

However, Yamaha aren't interested in offering Crutchlow a factory seat, despite support from Crutchlow's boss, Tech 3 manager Herve Poncharal.

The current feeling is that Crutchlow could edge out Nicky Hayden and sign a two-year deal to ride the factory Ducati. Hayden's contract runs until the end of the 2013 season and he has already said that he'd make a switch to World Superbikes.

If the Ducati stays as it is, it could prove to be a frustrating two years for the on-form Crutchlow. However, it's rumoured that Andrea Dovizioso is on a £2m-a-season contract and that Crutchlow earns a fraction of this. Money could be the main appeal of a switch to Ducati.

Speaking to the press, Crutchlow said: "I haven't written off staying with Yamaha but does it look likely? No. But that's because they're not willing to offer me anything."