MotoGP organizer Dorna has expelled the RNF Aprilia team from the 2024 grid, citing “repeated infractions and breaches of the Participation Agreement” despite a contract until 2026.
This decision follows rumors of the team accumulating debts in the hundreds of thousands of Euros during the current season. Former principal Razlan Razali, ousted for “poor performance and financial decisions,” admitted missed payments. Current owners Ovidiu Toma and Bogdan Mărunţiş deny any outstanding debts.
NASCAR’s Team Trackhouse swiftly fills the void, taking over the vacant grid spots and factory Aprilia support, forming a new satellite entity, sidelining RNF Racing.
The MotoGP Committee, FIM, IRTA, and Dorna Sports members, has excluded the CryptoData RNF MotoGP Team from the 2024 season. They are now seeking applications for a new independent team for 2024, possibly filled by Trackhouse.
Trackhouse’s Justin Marks, known for NASCAR success, aims to elevate his outfit globally in MotoGP. Plans to join in 2025 have been expedited by RNF’s troubles. The new team may inherit RNF’s structure, including factory Aprilia support and riders Raul Fernandez and Miguel Oliveira.
As the 2024 season approaches, Fernandez, the current sole rider, will join the Aprilia test team, hinting at increased support. Both Trackhouse and Aprilia aim to run new factory-spec RS-GP machines, raising hopes for a competitive 2024.
The 2023 RNF staff won’t attend the upcoming test, but plans are in motion for a seamless transition to regroup for the 2024 season. Staff contracts with RNF will expire, with the existing structure becoming Aprilia employees contracted to the new team.
Trackhouse’s choice to base European operations in Aprilia’s Noale department establishes strong links, mirroring Aprilia’s past collaboration with Gresini Racing. This setup, reminiscent of Gresini’s pre-2022 role, adds excitement to MotoGP’s reshuffling, promising a competitive presence in upcoming seasons.
Facebook
Instagram
X (Twitter)
YouTube
LinkedIn
RSS