HONDA RACING has cooled off on poaching Fiat Yamaha rider Jorge Lorenzo for next year's MotoGP series.
Recent reports in the Spanish press say Lorenzo's management team has been in negotiations with Honda Racing to secure a ride for Jorge in next year's MotoGP championship. But the two sides have yet to agree a deal which will see the 22-year-old leave his current team, Fiat Yamaha.
Lorenzo, who currently lies second in this year's championship, behind team-mate and current MotoGP World Champion Valentino Rossi, has been pushing his current employers for an increase in salary. It's reported the Spaniard wants another 1.5million euros on top of his existing 3.5million euro contract. Yamaha have said they are not willing to increase the former 250cc world champion's pay packet.
It seems that Honda are also unwilling to meet Lorenzo's financial demands. Sources say HRC are reluctant to pay the rider his asking price. Lorenzo's requested wage is deemed too high in the current economic climate; it's also reported that Honda are yet to be convinced of Jorge's technical development capacity.
So, for now, Lorenzo and Honda appear to be at checkmate. Watch this space for further updates.
