MotoGP: Marc VDS lose satellite Suzukis?

Marc VDS’s deal to make the switch from satellite Honda to satellite Suzuki for the 2019 MotoGP season looks to have fallen through, thanks in part to a series of rumours that have spread through the paddock over the weekend.

Part of a falling out between team owner and Belgian beer billionaire Marc van der Straten and team boss Michael Bartholemy with rumours of financial impropriety also hinted at, the team were forced to release a statement reassuring of their commitment to remain in MotoGP until at least 2021.

“To the people of the MotoGP paddock and the race fans. I have heard many rumours in the paddock this weekend about our team and I want make the situation clear for everyone. We will continue to race competitively, as we do now, until 2021. That is my intention and that is exactly what we will do.”

However, while the future of the team may be secure, what happens with regards to their manufacturer is now up in the air. With two hot contracts in play in the shape of both Suzuki and Yamaha satellite deals, it could see the number of Ducatis on the grid decreased should Aspar or Avintia be tempted away from the Italian manufacturer.