Crutchlow doesn't want factory MotoGP ride for the sake of it
Cal Crutchlow says he won’t leave his current LCR Honda team simply for the sake of becoming a factory rider again in MotoGP.
The Briton joined Lucio Cecchinello’s satellite outfit in 2015 after a single season with Ducati, which followed Crutchlow first three years in MotoGP with Tech 3 Yamaha.
Of Crutchlow’s 12 career podiums, only one came with Ducati in 2014, and he enjoyed a breakthrough 2016 campaign that included his first two race victories at Brno and Phillip Island.
Six manufacturers will be on the grid in 2017 with KTM’s entry, but all 12 of those seats are accounted for for the next two seasons.
Crutchlow says any possible switch to a factory outfit in 2019 or beyond would have to be the right fit.
“Do I think I want to be a factory rider again? If the opportunity arises, yes, but it has to be in the right factory and the right deal,” Crutchlow told Motorsport.com's sister title Autosport.
“Or it has to be something I'm interested in doing.
"But I'm happy with what I've got. Does it [a factory ride] make you any faster? I don't know, but it makes your life a lot easier day to day.
“The years to come I don't know [what will happen]. Honestly, if I wake up in two weeks' time and don't want to race a motorcycle, I won't. It's as simple as that.
"I have enough money in the bank to stop now and my family are very comfortable but I love what I do.”
Crutchlow turned 31 late in the 2016 season, which he finished seventh in the standings as the leading independent.
While he does not consider the campaign his best in MotoGP, Crutchlow feels he is still getting better as a rider.
“At the moment I'm getting faster and I don't feel any different to two years ago,” he said.
“My body aches a little bit more from the crashes over the years but that's the way it is. I’ve crashed a lot of motorcycles but I've managed to still have a great career.
“I don't like crashing, but it's part of racing. I'm not the most naturally talented guy in the world.
“My body's probably not in the best shape it's ever been, plus I'm getting a bit older. But crashing doesn't faze me, I get back up and go faster.”
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