Marc VDS MotoGP team principal Michael Bartholemy has denied his position within the team is under threat amid reports of discord between himself and team owner Marc van der Straten.
Reports of a rift developing between Bartholemy and van der Straten emerged during the Spanish Grand Prix, with the former stating allegations of “financial impropriety” were made against him in the press.
Immediately after the the Jerez race, the team moved to quash any speculation it was set to quit MotoGP in a statement, with a further release direct from Bartholemy insisting his role as team boss remains intact ahead of this weekend's French Grand Prix.
“Allegations of financial impropriety were made against me personally during the Spanish Grand Prix weekend in Jerez,” the statement read.
“These allegations were made not directly, but via the press. Since these allegations were made against me in my role of Team Principal of the Marc VDS Racing Team, I rejected the allegations unreservedly and vowed to defend against them robustly.
“That remains my clear position. For this matter to be resolved at the earliest opportunity, I have made repeated requests through my legal representatives for evidence to be provided in relation to the unfounded allegations.
“I wish to make it clear that no evidence has been forthcoming from Mr Marc van der Straten or his legal team.
“Furthermore, they informed us that journalists falsely reported Mr Marc van der Straten's declarations.
“I would also like to make it clear that Mr van der Straten and his legal team have confirmed that there has been no termination of contract.
“Finally, they have made no communication informing me that I am no longer responsible for managing the Marc VDS Racing Team as Team Principal in future.”
Bartholemy revealed a meeting had been set up between himself and van der Straten to take on Monday to try and resolve the situation, but was cancelled without reason, which the Belgian takes as confirmation all accusations against him have been cleared.
“I offered several options as to how this issue might be resolved, but no solution at all was presented by Mr Marc van der Straten.
“I received a request for a meeting on Monday May 14 at 1530 CET in Geneva, Switzerland, which I confirmed that I would attend.
“At 1830 CET on Friday May 11 that meeting was cancelled without any content-related explanation and with no indication that the meeting would be rescheduled.
“For me, this action can only be interpreted in one way; that all such allegations are off the table now.
“I will therefore be attending this weekend’s French MotoGP™ round in Le Mans to continue as Team Principal of the Marc VDS Racing Team, with all my dedication for the team.”
The Marc VDS team – who currently fields reigning Moto2 champion Franco Morbidelli and Tom Luthi on Hondas – are set to become a Yamaha customer next season, after a deal to run Suzuki machinery reportedly fell through during the Spanish Grand Prix weekend.
Discussion about this post