LCR rider Crutchlow took his first MotoGP wins last season at Brno and Phillip Island, and this success has been rewarded by Honda with it giving him special support despite not having a factory contract.

Last season, the Coventry-born rider tested new parts for the RC213V with factory riders Marc Marquez and Dani Pedrosa, and was the only one alongside them comparing the performance of the last two engines built by Honda during pre-season testing.

LCR team boss Lucio Cecchinello has been trying to renew Crutchlow's contract beyond the 2017 season, but wants Honda to be directly involved in the signing of a new deal.

However, Suppo says Honda is not considering doing more for Crutchlow than what is already being done.

“The goal is to support Cal to the maximum," Suppo told Motorsport.com.

"Technically, he receives very similar treatment to Marc [Marquez] and Dani [Pedrosa], although these are obviously part of the factory team and have a direct contract with us.

"Right now it's hard for Honda to do more for Crutchlow than it's already doing."

The type of agreement Cecchinello is aiming for would be similar to that of Sete Gibernau, who raced in 2004 and 2005 with Gresini’s satellite squad but with full technical support from HRC.

“I was not here back then, but I don’t think Gibernau's salary was paid by HRC, but by [Gresini sponsor] Telefonica," Suppo added. "At this time, Honda does not plan to pay Crutchlow's salary.

"We are very happy with him and it is true that in fact he won two races last year, but he also did it because he had factory support.

"Honda already makes an effort, because giving technical support to a rider means money."