Even if the equestrian market is practically closed for next year, this does not prevent manufacturers from having the best athletes available.
According to The Race, there are rumors that Honda is trying to recruit Cal Crutchlow for Stefan Bradl and take on the role of test driver for the Japanese manufacturer. According to the same website, the # 35 is in the process of renegotiating its contract with Yamaha for the next year, so Honda’s attention in this situation could be a variable.
Regardless of Bradl’s contract having already been renewed, that doesn’t invalidate interest in Crutchlow, who rode an RC213V until last year. After three championships with Yamaha (2011-2013) and one year with Ducati (2014), the Briton drove a total of six seasons with LCR Honda. He returned to the tuning fork brand after 2020 was his final year as a full-time MotoGP rider.