Datuk Razlan Razali Bids Farewell to RNF MotoGP Team

In a surprising move, Razlan Razali, the respected team principal of RNF MotoGP, has officially announced his departure.

Razali, known for leading the Sepang circuit and Petronas SRT team, founded RNF after the Sepang project closed in 2021.

Last season, despite losing WithU as a title sponsor, RNF continued in MotoGP with Yamaha machinery. A new chapter began as they partnered with CryptoDATA and became Aprilia’s satellite team for 2023. Despite injuries, lead rider Miguel Oliveira secured a notable fourth place and three top-six finishes on the year-old RS-GPs.

Speculation about Razali’s departure grew after a cryptic ‘Last Dance’ Facebook post before the Valencia weekend. Confirming his exit, Razali expressed gratitude for the incredible journey:

“It’s been amazing—a once in a lifetime chance to manage a MotoGP team. We’ve experienced the highs of winning and the lows of losing, worked with an amazing global team…”

His reflective post highlighted the team’s achievements, including finding a world champion in Fabio, almost clinching it with Frankie, having legends like Vale and Dovi, taking risks with Darryn, and the speedy dentist Miguel, alongside the promising Raul. Razali bid farewell to the team, calling it his extended family and second home.

Notably, Razali’s post lacked images featuring CryptoDATA branding, raising questions about RNF’s future. The new owners are undisclosed, but reports suggest American investors via Trackhouse, known in NASCAR.

Amid financial rumors, MSM agency, led by Justin Mountstephens, former head of sponsorship at Williams F1, announced in September it secured global commercial rights to RNF MotoGP Racing team, adding intrigue to the saga.

As Razali departs, the MotoGP community eagerly anticipates the new custodians guiding RNF. The rumored involvement of American investors from Trackhouse adds an international twist to RNF MotoGP’s unfolding story.