Tech 3 play down Cal Crutchlow approach

Tech 3 Yamaha has denied being at an advanced stage in talks with British rider Cal Crutchlow over a MotoGP switch in 2011.

With Ben Spies taking Valentino Rossi’s place in the factory Yamaha squad and Colin Edwards undecided on whether he will make a move back to World Superbikes next season, Monster Yamaha Tech 3 could be scouting for two riders.

Current Yamaha WSB rider Crutchlow has been strongly linked with the French squad, with his manager Bob Moore also overseeing Monster’s title sponsorship of Herve Poncharal’s team.

But Poncharal said: “Cal came to Silverstone and spent the weekend with us and he’s managed by Bob, who is the man who we are working with in terms of the sponsorship. Bob is very much following these things but we don’t talk non-stop with Cal.

“I’m mentioning Cal but you can also think that Jonathan Rea and Leon Haslam could also have the profile to be here. The only one I’ve talked to because he came to us is Cal.”