Crutchlow: Ducati lied to me about 2013 works seat

The Briton had been strongly linked to a move into the Italian squad in the early stages of this season, and says he was still in talks about a move at the most recent grand prix at Laguna Seca.

He says such talks proved purely speculative however, admitting that a chance to race for the Desmosedici no longer exists.

"For three months they (Ducati) lied to me and even at Laguna Seca they told me they would give me a factory bike. After that no one contacted me anymore," Crutchlow is quoted as saying by Gazzetta dello Sport.

The Briton made a similar announcement on Twitter, which read: "Seriously though you can all stop asking about me riding the red bike...it's not available to ride. So I won't be riding it..."

Despite the Briton's assertion that his option at Ducati has expired, the man now widely tipped to land the factory seat - Crutchlow's Tech 3 team-mate Andrea Dovizioso - insisted he was yet to sign a deal with anyone for 2013.

"It's true that we have become really close with Ducati lately, there have been important meetings. The project is nice and interesting. It would be a good challenge, fascinating and risky at the same time," Dovizioso told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"I don't have definitive answers however because I haven't signed with anyone.

"I have never denied my objective was to get a works Yamaha, but I've always looked at Ducati with interest. Should I race with the Desmosedici the work would be different, because at Ducati they've been working for two years in trying to improve the bike. The Rossi-Ducati package hasn't worked: I don't know why, I can't know.

"I would have a role I've never had before, because I was never considered the number 1 at HRC. By going to Ducati it's not like I would step ahead of Hayden, but I would be an important reference point. The objective would be to try to improve a bike that has had difficulties in the last years."