The MotoGP paddock witnesses an unprecedented controversy these days between the CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP Team, the promoting entity Dorna, and the team association IRTA.
In a situation unheard of in the MotoGP era, the team lost the agreement to compete in 2024, with the Selection Committee citing ‘repeated infractions and breaches of the Participation Agreement.’
The contract allegedly remained valid until 2026, with RNF asserting there’s no reason for its unilateral and premature termination. Simultaneously, they claimed to have rejected offers for the team’s acquisition.
In 2022, CryptoDATA first appeared in MotoGP as the main sponsor of the Austrian GP. This year, it 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 of CryptoDATA still owing funds for sponsoring the Austrian GP – although they assert this operation is separate from the entity holding 60 percent of the team.
On the other hand, there are talks of debts to Aprilia and suppliers, also denied by CryptoDATA, who similarly guarantee no grounds for a contractual breach. However, the MotoGP Selection Committee’s stance appears to suggest otherwise, hinting at reasons for such an action. There seems to be a situation of early termination, leading to a possibly unprecedented and legally intricate conflict.
What appears irreversible with the championship organizers’ decision is CryptoDATA RNF’s exit. Even if the case progresses to a legal battle and manages to retain its slot, it would happen in a scenario of instability – potentially causing severe repercussions in terms of planning, investment, relations with sponsors, and riders.
This entire controversy could significantly impact the image of both parties until all is clarified. It’s a complex situation that might end up in the courts – not initiated by Dorna but by CryptoDATA RNF.
For Dorna and MotoGP, such a drastic decision would hardly be desirable due to potential consequences. Without a strong foundation to support it, future teams and investors could hesitate in new projects, affecting MotoGP’s public image. It would set a precedent with significant repercussions for the championship organizers whose aim is credibility and growth.
For the CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP Team, it signifies the end of a project that, if not resolved judicially to overturn the decision, will conclude without significant results after just one season. Clearly, this would have a negative impact on CryptoDATA’s credibility as a company after all the recent rumors – whether true or false, the reputational damage will be hard to rectify.