“It was a great run,” Lazzari wrote on his Facebook page. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to manage and own a MotoGP team in the World Championship.”
After praising various Sepang/RNF riders, Lazzari added: It will be a new beginning, albeit a different one, and I will be watching with the utmost encouragement and excitement. Let’s go, team! ”
Lazzari’s departure fueled rumors that an American investor connected to NASCAR was in talks with MotoGP to take over the RNF grid in 2024.
However, a statement from CryptoDATA RNF said the team (owned 60% by CrytoDATA and 40% by Lazzari) remains under contract to participate in MotoGP until 2026 and has a “valid contract” with Aprilia and that “no He claims he has no debts. Disputes with suppliers.
As well as supplying RNF with machinery, Aprilia also has contracts with riders Miguel Oliveira and Raul Fernández, as well as some factory staff.
The statement confirms that the RNF “received an offer for a position on the grid. However, this offer was formally rejected over two weeks ago and no other negotiations have been initiated since then.” .
Finally, the statement (full text below) says: “The decision that Razlan Razali is no longer part of the RNF team management team was taken not just yesterday, but over a month ago. “This was due to pressure from shareholders.” Performance and Financial Decisions. ”
CrytoDATA partnered with RNF and became a majority shareholder almost exactly a year ago.
Lazzari founded RNF after Petronas withdrew from its previous multi-race winning Yamaha Sepang MotoGP project (2019-2021). Mr Razali, a Malaysian, initially worked on the project alongside his role as CEO of the racing circuit. After a debut year with Yamaha, RNF switched allegiance to Aprilia in 2023.
“There has been a lot of speculation in the press regarding the CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP Team, so we would like to provide clarification through this official press release.
“One thing is clear: the CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP Team has a MotoGP Championship participation contract valid until 2026 assigned by the Sepang Racing Team. This contract has very clear terms and conditions. Yes, and so far we have not even received any notice of any breach of contractual obligations. Furthermore, we have not received any notice of termination of this contract.
“Furthermore, RNF has a valid contract with Aprilia, but has not received any notice to terminate this contract. Speculations regarding the quality of motorcycle parts provided by Aprilia due to ‘alleged’ debts are false” . There are no debts owed to Aprilia and all amounts have been settled since the beginning of this year. Additionally, in addition to the terms of the contract, we agreed to increase the number of mechanics, and this was carried out after the additional costs were met.
“While it is true that RNF received an offer on the grid at the DORNA office in Madrid, this offer was officially rejected over two weeks ago and no other negotiations have been initiated since then. We do not have any debts or disputes with , and all activities are carried out in accordance with our business plan and in accordance with the terms of our contracts with our suppliers.
“The RNF Team remains 60% owned by CDT SPORTS AND MEDIA SRL and 40% owned by Razlan Razali. Subject to internal audit. As this year has been a year of transition, changes in the management of the team will definitely take place. After the audit, to implement strategies and tactics to achieve team performance. , introduce a human resource optimization process.
“The decision that Razlan Razali is no longer part of the RNF team management was taken not just yesterday, but over a month ago. This is due to shareholder pressure over poor performance and financial decisions. .”
