Cal Crutchlow expects Honda MotoGP exit, signals Aprilia interest

Cal Crutchlow says he expects to be exiting the Honda fold for the 2021 MotoGP World Championship as part of a reshuffle that that will leave one of its current riders out of a ride.

The Briton is currently preparing for the 2020 MotoGP season amid speculation that Pol Espargaro is on the cusp of being confirmed with HRC for next season in place of Alex Marquez.

As a result, Marquez – who is yet to make his MotoGP debut as a result of the of the delays to the season - will almost certainly be shifted to the satellite LCR squad to replace either Crutchlow or Takaaki Nakagami. However, with Nakagami favoured by the Japanese bosses, Crutchlow admits he is the one most under threat as it stands.

With options for 2021 slimming as teams confirm their line-ups, Crutchlow best hope for a race ride next season appears to lie with Aprilia, which is still waiting on a decision over whether to overturn – or even extend - Andrea Iannone’s drugs ban.

It’s an option Crutchlow says he would be interested in for the opportunity to help Aprilia develop its new RS-GP, which has shown promising results in pre-season testing.

“My time with Honda has been great and we have achieved a lot together but all good things must come to an end at some point,” Crutchlow told Bikesportnews. “I’ve had 19 podiums with Lucio and his team but he now has other things on his plate. If a deal isn’t done with Taka then I might be able to stay but I think the chances of that are remote.

“Honestly, I am not feeling bad about it. I want what I am doing to be fun because it’s not about the money and developing the RS-GP with Aleix could be a lot of fun.

“I see it as an opportunity to try and get podiums with every manufacturer I have ridden for in MotoGP and that I am very determined to help develop the bike with a lot of commitment to the project. I’m sure I can do.”

One option Crutchlow does discount though is a return to the WorldSBK Championship where he has reportedly had interest from Honda, while Yamaha is also on the hunt for a high-profile rider following Michael van der Mark’s exit.

“I had options and I really appreciate it but although I think it’s a great series I won’t be racing there next season. I do however think that the option to go was a good one and something that interested me.”