Exclusive MotorcycleSports: The confusing and highly complex tug-of-war between CryptoDATA RNF and Dorna

Exclusive MotorcycleSports: The confusing and highly complex tug-of-war between CryptoDATA RNF and Dorna

Rumors have been abundant in recent days regarding the situation surrounding CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP. Between debts and alleged new owners, much ink has been spilled regarding Aprilia’s satellite team. This Saturday, the international press speculated about the imminent acquisition by Trackhouse Racing – confirmation of which was expected at a press conference held yesterday evening in Valencia, leaving more doubts than clarified questions.

Team finances and Razlan Razali

In a press release, the RNF MotoGP Team assured there are no debts to Aprilia or suppliers, besides vehemently denying any eventual change in ownership at this stage. Confirmed is the departure of Razlan Razali from the team principal position. However, for now, he retains 40 percent of the shares – the remaining 60 percent belonging to CryptoDATA.

A source from RNF assured MotorcycleSports that there hasn’t been any sale. In yesterday’s press release, it was also revealed that an internal audit of the team’s accounts will be conducted. This concerns substantial expenses incurred by Razali for travels, accommodations, and more – expenses that he allegedly failed to justify. Reportedly, the Malaysian prevented CryptoDATA from accessing the bank account – supported to MotorcycleSports with purported official documents. Razali will have to cover the expenses that may be unjustified, under the risk of losing the 40 percent ownership.

In an interview with SportTV this Sunday, Dorna’s CEO, Carmelo Ezpeleta, assured that Miguel Oliveira will be in better conditions: ‘Because I know things, I know who is coming, I know what they told us, I know what’s happening at Aprilia, and I know Miguel will be much better this year’, he said.

The Spanish executive declined to discuss the alleged debts of the RNF MotoGP Team but pointed out: ‘We made the decision, which is always difficult to make, because we believe it’s the best for the championship. The championship needs to be stable, people need to fulfill the obligations they undertake by having a position in the championship, and it will run better’.

American investors

The source speaking to MotorcycleSports assured that the alleged American investment started to be discussed in August, with an initial proposal from Ezpeleta that was declined. There was a second offer, also rejected for not being considered good enough. Allegedly, all this happened without consulting CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP Team.

Contractually, the CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP team ensured in a statement that they have a signed contract until 2026. The only clause that would allow their position to be taken relates to sporting results – under conditions that do not apply. And even in that case, Dorna would have to pay financial compensation to remove RNF from the grid.

Given this, and despite the team not being sold for now, CryptoDATA RNF does not rule out selling the team if a good offer arises. And with the allegedly promised place in the grid to American investors – whose identity has never been officially confirmed as Trackhouse Racing – the asking price will not be low. As they assured MotorcycleSports, at the moment, there’s no final concrete offer for the acquisition of the RNF MotoGP Team.

Austrian GP

Also in recent days, the-race.com wrote about alleged delayed payments from CryptoDATA to Dorna regarding the main sponsorship of the MotoGP Austrian GP.

However, this issue is not linked to the team, as contracts are signed by two different companies. Furthermore, a source from the Romanian brand ensured that payments are up to date, as per the agreed-upon installments. According to our sources, this aspect can never result in a contractual termination between Dorna and the CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP Team.

Relationship with Aprilia

During yesterday’s press conference in Valencia, a new sponsor for the CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP Team was announced – a Romanian music festival. With the entire situation and recent rumors, this announcement was somewhat overshadowed, leaving curiosity about the seemingly unstable and uncertain future.

During this event, the absence of Aprilia officials was noticeable – Aprilia provides bikes, mechanics, and materials to the team. This absence was justified by the Romanian owners stating that their relationship with the Noale manufacturer is strictly ‘business’.

This situation is somewhat strange, considering that the collaboration between a manufacturer and a satellite team would typically involve technical aspects. Especially because, in this case, riders Oliveira and Fernández are contractually linked to Aprilia and not directly to the team.

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