Suzuka: Crutchlow '20%', Pedrosa 'one day… with Gibernau!'

There are rumours that HRC wants to call-up MotoGP stars Cal Crutchlow and Dani Pedrosa to try and win back the Suzuka 8 Hours title from Yamaha this season.

But both seemed doubtful it would happen, when quizzed on day two of the Sepang MotoGP test.

"The problem is timing," said Crutchlow, riding on a HRC contract at LCR. "We have 19 grands prix plus now seven tests. So to do Suzuka is going to be difficult, because you're going to want to do one test at least beforehand and when do we do it?

"Honda have looked at the schedule and came up with something - sure they want me to do it - but the problem is timing. I'm sure I could go there and make a good job for Honda. But whether we will or not I don't know.

"I have to negotiate a good contract to go first, as well. But Honda are desperate for me to go so I'm sure the contract will be superb!

"I raced at Suzuka in 2008. I always enjoy racing in Japan, and riding in front of the Japanese fans for Honda is completely mad as we know.

"But the likelihood of me doing it at the moment is about 20% because honestly if you see our actual schedule - including when we are testing privately, plus events…"

Repsol Honda's Pedrosa said he would also like to do the event, but feels it's too risky during the middle of MotoGP season:

"I don’t think so. I would love to because it's a great race to watch and…. [sees manager and former racer Sete Gibernau waving], yes, we can race together! He has the experience already!"

"But I don't think they have the budget to pay me!" laughed Gibernau.

"I'd love to race the 8 Hour one day," Pedrosa continued. "Obviously one of the issues is that sometimes it's dangerous. So we don’t want to risk for the championship."

Crutchlow's new team-mate Takaaki Nakagami raced for the official HRC team at Suzuka last year, alongside Jack Miller and factory test rider Takumi Takahashi.

But Miller is now at Ducati and it is likely HRC will seek a high-profile MotoGP replacement as they seek to end Yamaha's run.