Jarvis admitted that Crutchlow has shows extremely positive racing this season and everybody knows he's "hot property". While all three mentioned parties are happy with Cal's performance, it's still impossible to offer him a factory seat, as Yamaha's (now) MSMA bikes have Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi secured with two-year contracts.
The Yamaha official also added that there have been discussion involving the factory, the team and the sponsor on one side and Crutchlow's management on the other, and the former have prepared an offer. According to Lin Jarvis, the "problem" could be solved with a financial offer, even if he clearly stated that other teams, such as Ducati, might come up with a better paycheck for the British rider.
You recently said that Yamaha has made a large effort in making an attractive offer for Crutchlow. Can you elaborate?
Normally it means money. Basically, we are ready to do something. I think Cal is very happy with the team and with the bike and is very happy with where he is, but he is a professional rider and at a very important stage of his career.
Now is the time to make money in your career, so the main issue is that we are trying - collectively, from three parties - to see if we can put together an offer that is enough for him to stay.
Are you aware that there are plenty of rivals interested in his services?
Yes, we are pretty aware of that. Two strong alternatives - and maybe both companies have more money than us at the moment, shall we say. We have a situation where Cal has evolved in Tech 3 and, normally, Tech 3 is our team where young or developing riders will come on and then maybe step up into the factory team.
Cal is at the prime moment to step up, but we are full. We have Valentino (Rossi) and Jorge (Lorenzo) on two-year contracts so, right now, we have no place at the Yamaha Factory team. It is a difficult circumstance and on the other side especially Ducati have a different situation, so maybe they have more possibilities.
