Cal Crutchlow closing in on Moto2 switch

Cal Crutchlow is closing in on a deal to move to the new Moto2 600cc world championship next season, MCN can exclusively reveal.

Crutchlow held lengthy discussions with Fausto Gresini during last weekend’s Czech Republic GP, and he also started preliminary negotiations with James Toseland’s Tech 3 squad about a Moto2 switch.

Crutchlow looks certain to move to Moto2, despite the offer of a factory Yamaha R1 in World Superbikes in 2010.

The rising British star has become a top target for Moto2 because of his explosive performances in World Supersport on a Yamaha R6.

Speaking exclusively to MCN, Crutchlow, who is leading the World Supersport series, said: “It is very likely that I’m going to Moto2. That’s where my heart is set now. When I did a deal with Yamaha for World Supersport, my plan was always to move to World Superbikes with them and that is still an option for me because they have been unbelievable for me and my career.

“I could sign the contract now with Gresini and they are bending over backwards to get me here. But I’ve got to be fair to Yamaha too and listen to what the Tech 3 deal might be.”

For more on Crutchlow’s possible Moto2 switch, see this week’s MCN, available today (Wednesday).