Honda: We’d like you to endorse our sporty hybrid coupe, the CR-Z, by adding its logo to your leathers

Casey: Why?

Honda: It’s in your contract

Casey: Oh, ok.

But let’s not be too cynical, we get a set of neat photos showing Stoner, Pedrosa and Dovizioso posing awkwardly next to a plain white CR-Z. Couldn’t Honda have found the Mugen CR-Z Prototype that was shown at Goodwood’s Moving Motor Show a few weeks ago? Now that’s the kind of CR-Z we could see driven by a HRC rider.

According to Tom Gardner, General Manager of Cars Honda Motor Europe, “CR-Z has been designed as the first sporty hybrid coupe to dispel the myths that hybrids are not fun to drive. The CR-Z has a 3-mode drive system, providing an entertaining driving experience combined with low emissions. Being part of MotoGP this season further helps emphasise the message that the CR-Z is fun to drive, and will raise awareness of the car to a wider audience”.

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Now Jorge Lorenzo has added further fuel to the controversy saying that his initial plan is to stay with the Japanese manufacturer, but hinted that he “can’t guarantee anything” for the future. Lorenzo was runner up to Rossi in the 2009 Moto GP championship, pushing Rossi hard throughout the season. Rossi recorded the fewest number of wins he has ever recorded in a title season, achieving six victories during 2009, just two more than Jorge and Casey Stoner.

The Spaniard who attended a recent press engagement in Barcelona, said that he sees his future – as least as far as the 2011 season is concerned – with Yamaha but couldn’t put his finger on anything just yet. Despite his most successful season in Moto GP, attempts to sign a contract with Yamaha beyond 2010 were unsuccessful with both Lorenzo and Rossi’s contracts running out at the end of next year.

Rossi has publicly asked Yamaha to take their pick for the 2011 season, or else there are other teams (i.e. Ducati) that would be happy to sign him. We expect this story to boil over during 2010, especially if Stoner, Lorenzo and Pedrosa push Rossi as hard as they did in 2009.

Then of course World Superbike champion Ben Spies joins the satellite Tech 3 Yamaha team next year and he’s already shown how quickly he can adapt from his performance in the final race of the season in Valencia.

With Honda’s Dani Pedrosa also reaching the end of his current contract in 2010, Lorenzo might also have a few more options to choose from himself in 2011.