Ex-Kawasaki MotoGP boss unveils Moto2 plan

Former factory Kawasaki MotoGP boss Michael Bartholemy has confirmed he will run a team in the new Moto2 world championship as part of an ambitious Belgian motorsport project.

As was first reported by MCN earlier this month, Bartholemy will run a two-rider squad under the banner of the Marc VDS Racing Teams, which features the Moto2 project and three car racing projects.

Former Belgian MotoGP podium finisher Didier de Radigues is also involved in the Moto2 effort.

Bartholemy said: “Moto2’s aim is to replace the 250 category while also reducing costs.

“Everyone will have the same Honda 600cc four-stroke engine, while Moto2 bikes’ chassis and swing arm will be completely free to develop. 

“Evidently, this is the area that will provide the difference between the teams. 

“I must admit that the prospect of working with Didier de Radigues within the context provided by Marc VDS Racing Teams is very appealing, as it will allow me to focus entirely on the bike’s development and exploitation.

“Our team will also field two riders, which we will soon announce. And we may even give a Belgian rider a chance. Let’s wait and see.”

Former motorcycle rider and driver turned TV commentator de Radigues is a well known figure in international motorsport.

Runner-up in the 1982 350cc world motorcycle championship, Didier previously gathered experience as a team manager when he supervised the efforts of his Belgian team in the 250cc category in 1993.

“I’ve been waiting for the right opportunity to come along.

“It has now presented itself and I’m a firm believer in the future of Moto2 and in our association with the Marc VDS Racing Teams as well as in the synergies it will bring.

“Our ambition is to put Belgium at the forefront of motorcycle racing.”

Spurred on by long time racing enthusiast Count Marc van der Straten, the Marc VDS Racing Team will enter two Ford GTs in the new GT1 World Championship and also contest the European FIA GT3 Championship with a couple of brand new Ford Mustangs Rally driver Stéphane Henrard will spearhead an effort on the rally raid front with his usual buggy racers starting next month at the Dakar.

All four groups will race in their respective categories under the  “Marc VDS Racing Teams” banner.