Crutchlow admits factory Ducati no longer an option

By Stephen English

Cal Crutchlow has admitted that he will not be racing for the factory Ducati team in MotoGP next season.

The Englishman has enjoyed a superb campaign for Tech 3 Yamaha this year and has seen his standing within the MotoGP paddock increase immensely with a series of strong races.

For much of the year he has been linked with a move to the Italian manufacturer in place of either Valentino Rossi or Nicky Hayden, but the former World Supersport champion today admitted on Twitter that it is no longer a possibility.

"You can all stop asking about me riding the red bike... it's not avaliable to ride! So I won't be riding it," tweeted the Englishman.

Crutchlow's team-mate Andrea Dovizioso is now expected to ride alongside Hayden next season.