Gresini Racing's CRT MotoGP bike could be powered by a Ten Kate-tuned Honda engine.
Gresini has already confirmed that it will run a CBR1000RR-powered FTR chassis for Michele Pirro under the new CRT MotoGP regulations, alongside a Honda RC213V for Alvaro Bautista.
But while FTR will be looking after the chassis development, Gresini needs a technical partner to supply, tune and maintain the engine.
Although Gresini has long links with Honda, direct manufacturer support is frowned upon for CRT, ruling out a HRC engine supply.
However an excellent alternative looks to have been found with Racesport.nl reporting that a contract has been signed for Ten Kate Racing Products to supply the engine and electronics for the Gresini CRT project.
Ten Kate has long been Honda's leading team in the World Superbike Championship, taking the CBR1000RR to title glory with James Toseland in 2007. Ten Kate's Castrol Honda rider Jonathan Rea took two WSBK race wins this year, despite injury.
At present, Gresini is the only confirmed CRT entry to use a Honda engine.
Prior to Moto2, Gresini rider Pirro won a race for Ten Kate in the World Supersport Championship.
Source: http://www.crash.net/motogp