The MotoGP paddock is witnessing an unprecedented controversy these days between the CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP Team, the promoting entity Dorna, and the team association IRTA.
In a situation unprecedented in MotoGP history, the team has lost the agreement to compete in 2024, with the Selection Committee citing ‘repeated infractions and breaches of the Participation Agreement’.
The contract was allegedly valid until 2026, with RNF ensuring that there is no reason for its early and unilateral termination. At the same time, they confirmed that they had rejected offers for the acquisition of the team.
It was in 2022 that CryptoDATA first appeared in MotoGP, as the main sponsor of the Austrian GP. This year, they joined forces with RNF as the majority shareholder – continuing to sponsor the Austrian round.
In recent days, there has been much speculation in the international press and beyond about the RNF team. There are rumors that CryptoDATA still owes money for sponsoring the Austrian GP – although it guarantees that the operation is from a separate company from the one that owns 60 percent of the team.
On the other hand, there are talks of debts to Aprilia and suppliers, also denied by CryptoDATA… which also ensures that there are no reasons for a contractual breach. From the MotoGP Selection Committee’s perspective, apparently the position is that there are reasons to do so. There seems to be a situation of early termination, which could lead to an unprecedented and possibly legally complex conflict.
What seems irreversible with the championship organizers’ decision is the departure of CryptoDATA RNF. And even if the case progresses to a legal battle and manages to find a way to keep its spot, everything will happen in a scenario of instability – which could have serious consequences in terms of planning, investment, relationships with sponsors, and riders.
All this controversy could have significant impacts on the image of both parties until everything is clarified. It is a complex situation that could end up in court – not at the initiative of Dorna, but of CryptoDATA RNF.
From Dorna’s perspective, such a drastic decision would hardly be desirable, due to the possible consequences – without solid foundations to support it, future teams and investors could have some concerns before starting new projects. It would set a precedent with strong repercussions on the public image of MotoGP that would cost the championship organizers dearly when the goal is to make it credible and grow.
For the CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP Team, it represents the end of a project that, if the case does not reach judicial instances that annul the decision, will come to an end without significant results after only one season. This would clearly have a negative impact on CryptoDATA’s credibility as a company after all the rumors of the past weeks – whether true or false, the reputational damage will be difficult to undo.
In short, there is a standoff that, if indeed the CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP Team insists on fighting for their place, could bring losses to both parties.
