Just a week after Valentino Rossi announced that he will be retiring the end of the season, another shocking news involving the Petronas Yamaha Sepang Racing Team has emerged today.
According to a report published by Crash.net and a few other sources today, Petronas, the title sponsor of the Sepang Racing Team in the MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3 classes, will not be renewing their agreement for the 2022 season.
‘New independent entity’
It is said that the Sepang Racing Team will be continuing its journey in MotoGP under a new independent entity.
The report also said that SRT’s future will be made clear at the Silverstone round later this month, when its new satellite Yamaha contract should also be confirmed.
“SIC wishes to thank Petronas for the unwavering support during the partnership and a remarkable journey together,” said Sepang International Circuit (SIC) Chief Executive Officer Azhan Shafriman Hanif in a statement released regarding this issue.
“We respect Petronas’ decision, and mutually agreed that this partnership has accomplished its purpose and objectives.”
Fruitful two years
“We have enjoyed a meaningful partnership, with great achievements and memorable moments with the team. I believe this is not the end of our collaboration in motorsports as we continue our quest in nurturing Malaysia’s motorsports talents.”
“SIC is proud to have been involved in the formation and early development of the team that had surpassed expectations in its performance. We wish the team all the best in the next phase of its evolution under a new entity.”
Petronas’ Head of Strategic Communications, Datin Anita Azrina Abdul Aziz said, “We entered into this partnership with SIC to showcase our R&D capabilities, and we are proud that Petronas Fluid Technology Solutions have been instrumental towards establishing the team’s status as a championship contender.”
“Together, we have created some standout moments in the sport, serving as an indication that we have achieved what we set out to do and we feel it is the right time for us to conclude the partnership.”
Contract with Yamaha ending at the end of the season
“On behalf of Petronas, we would like to express our gratitude to SIC for their commitment towards ensuring the success of the partnership.”
While it was reported that the Sepang Racing Team has already confirmed grid places for the next five years with Dorna, MotoGP’s governing body, the team’s current contracts with Yamaha and Petronas will be expiring at the end of this year’s season.
That said, whether the team will be running with a different bike manufacturer remains unknown for now.
