Crutchlow’s full-time racing career came to an end after he decided to sign a test driver contract with Yamaha for 2021 after losing his LCR Honda spot to Alex Marquez.
The three-time MotoGP winner had been linked to a race seat in Aprilia prior to signing his deal with Yamaha test riders and had told the media last month that Honda had a role in mind for him if he so chose.
HRC’s idea, however, was to keep Crutchlow as a reserve rider for his MotoGP and WSBK teams, which the Briton said he was “not interested” in as it might have meant he could have been racing all season .
“I never had anything from them on paper [HRC]but the plan was more of a backup driver, ”Crutchlow said when asked if Honda offered him a test driver role for 2021.
“Alberto [Puig]… I like Alberto, I’ve always said that he has been a huge influence on my Honda deals over the past few years and has always been supportive of me.
“He’s the same as me, he’s straight forward and very good, and he was disappointed when I wasn’t with Honda at the beginning of the year.
“Much was out of his control, but much was in his control and I understand the situation.
“So he obviously wanted to keep me one way or another and they wanted me to be their backup driver.
“But it would have been a tough gig I think because it was for MotoGP and World Superbikes and I wasn’t interested in this project, especially because there were six riders [I’d have to replace] and I might race all year round.
“But I am very grateful to always speak honestly and openly with Alberto.
“And another great thing was when I told him I was going to do the Yamaha deal, he was very happy for me. That’s good to know.”
Crutchlow could make wildcard appearances with Yamaha in 2021 should that prove useful to the project, although he would be limited to three under the wildcard rules for non-licensed manufacturers.