Cal Crutchlow’s crew chief in talks with Ducati

Cal Crutchlow’s current Monster Yamaha Tech 3 crew chief Daniele Romagnoli has confirmed he is in talks with Ducati about moving to the Bologna factory with the British rider in 2014.

After clinching a lucrative two-year deal to move to Ducati next year, Crutchlow confirmed to MCN in a recent exclusive interview that he would try and tempt Romagnoli to the Italian brand.

The 27-year-old said he has no plans to instigate a mass exit of staff from Herve Poncharal’s French-based Tech 3 squad, but he is keen on Romagnoli moving with him to try and make the struggling Desmosedici more competitive.

Speaking to MCN at the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Romagnoli said he had begun talks with Ducati management over a move.

Ducati is understood to want to keep Nicky Hayden’s current crew chief Juan Martinez in its factory squad, but will accommodate Romagnoli at Crutchlow’s request as part of the former World Supersport champion’s deal.

Romagnoli, who previously managed Jorge Lorenzo’s factory Yamaha squad and was crew chief for veteran Texan Colin Edwards when he was on board a works YZR-M1, told MCN:“I can’t say anything about my own future right now but as Cal said he is really interested to take me there. I don’t know if this will happen or not but there is some negotiation with Ducati and we will see if we can find some agreement.”

Romagnoli could be crucial for Crutchlow’s switch to Ducati. Not only is Italian to help with any language barrier but he has worked with the Isle of Man-based rider throughout his MotoGP career.

That relationship will only help Crutchlow integrate quicker into Ducati’s factory squad, according to Romagnoli.

He added: “It is improtant for a rider to have someone who knows many things about him. When you go to a new team and they don’t know you, you lose a lot of time. After three years with Cal I can take a lot of information about how Cal is and what he likes. It is easier to integrate into a new team and make everything work better. Sometimes I don’t even need to hear his comment. I can see his eyes what he is thinking and I know what he needs and this makes it easier.”