P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Aprilia’s satellite MotoGP team RNF Racing is in doubt for 2024, according to The Race’s sources in the paddock, with series boss Dorna looking at back-up options should the Malaysian-Romanian squad fail to find the necessary funding to secure its place on next season’s grid
Aprilia’s satellite MotoGP team, RNF Racing, is uncertain for the 2024 season due to funding difficulties. Dorna, the series organizer, is considering backup options in case RNF fails to secure the necessary funds. RNF was created as a successor to the Petronas Yamaha Sepang Racing Team, when Petronas withdrew its support at the end of 2021. The team initially used Yamaha machinery before switching to Aprilia in 2023. A majority stake in the team was later sold to Romanian IT firm CryptoData. However, the team’s financial situation has not significantly improved, leading to missed payments to suppliers. There are also reports of tensions between RNF’s owner and CryptoData’s boss, further jeopardizing the team’s future. Despite this uncertainty, it appears that there will still be an Aprilia satellite team in MotoGP next year, as the riders, bikes, and technical staff are contracted to the Italian factory. Dorna is said to be in talks with potential new partners as a contingency plan.
