Crutchlow out of Honda frame

Motogp race winner Cal Crutchlow faces an uncertain future after Honda confirmed it will move Alex Marquez out of its works squad for 2021 to make way for KTM rider Pol Espargaro and into the Briton’s berth at LCR – as first reported by Autosport back in June.

Crutchlow joined the satellite LCR Honda squad in 2015, and has won three grands prix on the RC213V. He became a factory-contracted HRC rider in 2018. Crutchlow has frequently been the best Honda contender after Marc Marquez, and apart from the reigning world champion is the only rider to get the bike to the podium in the past two seasons.

Crutchlow, Britain’s only full-time Motogp rider, has been linked to

Aprilia for 2021. “I think that if the opportunity arises that I can go and ride for Aprilia – it would be a great deal for me,” he admitted.

Crutchlow brushed off the offer of a World Superbike move with Honda, saying he’s “not interested” in a return to the series he raced full-time in 2010.

Talks between Andrea Dovizioso and Ducati have stalled once more, potentially opening up an opportunity for Crutchlow to return to the Italian marque, for which he raced for a single season in 2014.

Asked by Autosport if this was an option, Crutchlow noted that his relationship with Ducati was “fantastic”, and that the prospect of riding one of its bikes again “very much excites me” if the offer becomes available.

In the press release confirming rookie Alex Marquez’s new two-year deal with Honda, HRC thanked Crutchlow for his “diligent and tireless work” since joining the manufacturer’s ranks.