Yamaha not surprised by interest in Crutchlow and Dovizioso

Yamaha says it would have been shocked if Honda and Ducati didn’t try and lure Cal Crutchlow and Andrea Dovizioso off a YZR-M1 for 2013.

The Monster Yamaha Tech 3 duo are enjoying a brilliant 2012 campaign with four front row starts between them and eight top five finishes in the opening six races, including a podium for Dovizioso in Catalunya.

Both have already been linked with Ducati and Honda rides in 2013, which Yamaha boss Lin Jarvis was inevitable given their outstanding form.

Crutchlow has been in negotiations with Ducati since the Catalunya race and in the build-up to last weekend’s British Grand Prix at Silverstone, MCN understands the 26-year-old was offered a two-year deal by the Bologna factory.

Crutchlow and Dovizioso are also keen to try and secure a factory Yamaha seat next to current world championship leader Jorge Lorenzo in 2013, but face tough competition from Ben Spies, despite the American’s disappointing start to this season.

Jarvis told MCN: “Casey (Stoner) has left and therefore there is one top quality rider less in the paddock, so I am sure Ducati and Honda will also be approaching our riders.

“Cal and Andrea’s performances this year have been very good, so why would Ducati not make an offer to one of those two riders? I am sure they are already busy with it.”