'Ducati deal hard to say no to'
Tech 3 Yamaha boss Herve Poncharal says he "can't see how" Cal Crutchlow can turn down Ducati's offer to join the factory team next season.
Crutchlow has reportedly been offered a lucrative two-year deal to join Ducati from next season where he could replace either Nicky Hayden or Valentino Rossi.
And although the Tech 3 team is keen to hold onto the British rider, they concede the deal being offered by Ducati may be too good for Crutchlow to pass up.
Added to that, Poncharal admits his team will struggle to challenge the front-running teams for race victories and even podium results.
"Ducati's priority is clearly to sign Cal," Poncharal told MCN.
"I have not lost him yet but I would be really sad because this year he has been fantastic. And I know how much he can still improve.
"I can't see how he can't accept the offer he has from Ducati. I am worried and sad but if he can make good money and have a full factory behind him, then I understand why he would go.
"Does he stay with Tech 3 knowing he will never have the factory spec bike and the money is nothing special? Or do you go to a full factory team and earn good money? He doesn't want the money to travel first class around the world or have a flash car but he wants to be comfortable.
"As a factory rider he could sell his personal deals and leathers and helmet deals for more.
"And as a satellite rider at Yamaha he is going to be between third and sixth every week and that is not easy. If he goes to Ducati then worst case scenario he will finish fifth to eighth but he will have a factory behind him."
Poncharal, though, did reveal that he has made a verbal offer to Crutchlow but that "they have told me no way."
