It was announced this Monday that the MotoGP Selection Committee opted not to select the CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP Team for the 2024 MotoGP season. However, Aprilia’s satellite team is not at risk, nor are its riders Miguel Oliveira and Raúl Fernández. They might even be on track tomorrow with a new identity during the Valencia tests.
It’s known that there are interested parties eyeing the place on the grid – American investors are mentioned, whose identity hasn’t been officially disclosed, although speculation points to Trackhouse Racing. With the first test for 2024 happening tomorrow, the transition might not take much time.
In fact, there are indications that the successor to RNF might be known by tomorrow and could already be on track during the Valencia tests. Two bikes used by Maverick Viñales in the Valencia GP will be available for Fernández.
Despite this, the majority shareholder of RNF – CryptoDATA – remains in a standoff with Dorna and IRTA stating they have a valid contract until 2026 and there’s no possibility of terminating or not renewing it for 2024. The Selection Committee cites ‘repeated infractions and breaches of the Participation Agreement’.
Apparently this is a situation where both sides believe they are right, thus the resolution might be complicated and could be a hot topic during this winter, about four months before the start of the new season.