Monster Yamaha Tech3's Cal Crutchlow (Photo: Yamaha Racing)

Crutchlow says he would seriously consider staying with Yamaha if he was guaranteed factory support.

“I am not undecided because there is no option at Yamaha," he said. "What option have I got? If I rode for Tech 3 next year then maybe I will still go as fast as what I did on the Ducati, but I am not going to get the top-line support.

“I am still sitting on a wing and a prayer that Yamaha might give me a factory ride. I have told them when I’d like to know by and they will give me a yes or no answer on that day.

"I don't want to leave Yamaha because it is a great company and you feel like a big family there but I believe I can do the same job for Ducati."

It is understood that unless Yamaha MotoGP project leader Masahiko Nakajima has an upgrade plan for Crutchlow to factory status he will be swayed to turn red at Mugello this weekend.

Neither Crutchlow nor Ducati bosses would be drawn on the latest status of talks but it is understood that it will be major surprise if the deal is not concluded.

Audi has already indicated their ongoing support to Ducati's MotoGP race program.

“The money isn’t important to me at all," said Crutchlow despite the prospect of his salary soaring to a generous seven-figure amount at Ducati "My understanding is that the new owners are going to be investing a lot of money. I have been in contact with Ducati for about a month so I already know some plans.

"They are not going to sit back and accept another year like this one.”

This year Rossi and Hayden are still winless with a GP12 incapable of challenging for the podium in races run in dry conditions.

After eight races Crutchlow is fifth in the world championship, ahead of Rossi, Hayden and Ben Spies all on factory bikes.

Crutchlow feels that with his performances this season on a satellite spec M1 that he should be rewarded with a factory bike for 2013.

"I think I deserve a factory bike. There are six on the grid right now and being fifth in the championship I think I deserve one of them,” he said.