Tech 3 Yamaha dismiss Randy de Puniet link

The Monster Tech 3 Yamaha squad has rubbished rumours of an imminent swoop for Randy de Puniet.   

Herve Poncharal dismissed launching a raid for the Frenchman, who has been the surprise package of 2010.

The 29-year-old is the leading non-factory rider in the rankings and has impressed with a series of eye-catching performances on the LCR Honda RC212V.

He was fourth in last weekend’s Catalunya MotoGP race and now sits in equal fourth position in the overall standings with factory Ducati rider Nicky Hayden.

But Poncharal told MCN: “I have not even spoken to Randy about next year. I think everybody thinks that because we are a French team that we always have a big interest in a French rider.” 

Poncharal could be in the market for two riders in 2011 with Ben Spies gaining promotion to the factory team in place of the departing Valentino Rossi.

Double World Superbike champion Colin Edwards’ future is undecided with British rider Cal Crutchlow also linked to a Tech 3 move next season.