Ousted Marc VDS team boss Michael Bartholemy and team owner Marc van der Straten have reached a “mutual agreement” to part ways effective imeediately.
Bartholemy was dismissed as team principal for the Marc VDS Moto2 and MotoGP squads during the French Grand Prix weekend, amid accusations of mismanaging team resources.
The Belgian denied these claims, but opted against legal action against Mr van der Straten due to the implications it could have against the team's continued participation in the Le Mans race.
A statement from both parties on Wednesday confirmed both had reached amicable terms to part ways, with Mr van der Straten not holding any allegations against Bartholemy.
“Mr. Marc van der Straten and Mr. Michael Bartholemy have today reached a mutual agreement to end their association which is solely due to differing strategic approaches,” the statement began.
“The past few weeks have been difficult for everyone in the Marc VDS Racing Team, with the uncertainty surrounding our future distracting from our main aim, that of winning races,” said Mr. van der Straten.
“With this agreement we can once again focus solely on adding to the successes that we've enjoyed in the past.”
The statement continued: “As Mr. Marc van der Straten said, he did not hold against Mr. Michael Bartholemy the allegations reported in the press, especially regarding any supposed embezzlement.
“Independent of that, Mr. Michael Bartholemy has been entirely vindicated.”
Bartholemy added: “In eight years Marc and myself have a achieved a lot together, winning two World Championships and establishing the Marc VDS Racing Team as one of the strongest and most successful in the paddock. I am very proud of that.
“However, no partnership lasts forever and today we go our separate ways. I am looking forward to taking on a new challenge, but I would like to wish Marc and the team all the best for the future.”
Mr van der Straten will take over complete leadership of both the MotoGP and Moto2 teams from the Catalan round onwards.
Marc VDS' future in the premier class remains uncertain, with rumours of a Petronas-backed Sepang International Team satellite Yamaha team taking over its grid slot.
Outgoing Honda rider Dani Pedrosa – who will make way for Jorge Lorenzo – has been linked to the SIC team, with current Marc VDS rider Franco Morbidelli joining him.
Morbidelli is currently paired with former Moto2 rival Tom Luthi on year-old Honda machinery, with the former 17th in the standings on 17 points, with Luthi yet to score points.
