Monster Yamaha boss Herve Poncharal has said he needs to help to retain the services of Cal Crutchlow into the 2014 MotoGP season but was cagey about whether Yamaha would provide a third bike next season.

The Frenchman is desperate to keep his star rider, who has been linked to a Ducati move among others, but says it will he hard unless he gets some support - given that Crutchlow himself says Yamaha have already signed Pol Espargaro and Bradley Smith is on a two year deal.

"Both Bradley and Cal are fulfilling the mission they have really well and we are completely focused on giving them the best support we can for them to deliver. There is no comment on three bikes for next year," said Poncharal, speaking at the Sachsenring

"I know (Yamaha chief) Mr Kimura is going to be here on Saturday and Sunday. I haven't given up on keeping Cal. This is something touching me deep inside. Cal is not only liking the Yamaha M1 but also he is feeling home with the Tech3 team. We have built a relationship you don't build too often. The relationship between him and the team is very rare to reach and we don't want to see that going away.

"We know we don't have all the cards in the game, so we can only play with what we have. I still have the never give up fire inside myself and I will try. I'm not saying I'm going to win but I will try to retain him. I will need some help."

Poncharal also spoke about his relationship with Crutchlow, saying it is rare for a rider and a team to become so close but seems unsurprised at the interest in where the rider will be next season.

"Every year Cal's future is the main topic of the paddock. This is because he is popular and doing very well but also because he like to share his feelings with everyone. Ideally, when you are on a two-year deal you don't face that problem," he said.

"I think at the moment Cal is riding very well. He is doing better than some expectations. As the fastest available MotoGP rider for next year, he has a lot of interest from various teams and factories which, in a way, is a good point.

"It is difficult to handle that as it will be a big decision for his future and his career but I believe Cal likes it. Any top rider has a big ego and a lot of pride, they like to be the centre of attention and Cal is no exception.

"When you arrive at a certain level, it is something you can cope with and maybe it is an extra motivation for him. It is always the same story, is the glass half empty or half full?"