MotoGP: Marc VDS Racing withdraw from the 2021 MotoE World Cup

Marc VDS Racing has withdrawn its planned entry in the 2021 FIM Enel MotoE World Cup due to the scheduling clashes that rider Mike di Meglio would encounter this season.

The Belgian team has been involved in the first two season of the MotoE series, with Di Meglio scoring one victory and four podiums across the two campaigns. The Frenchman ended the first-ever MotoE season in fourth before ending his 2020 campaign in fifth overall.

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However, Di Meglio and the team will not be present on the 2021 grid. This is because the 2008 125cc champion has also commited to racing in the Endurance World Championship with F.C.C. TSR Honda France.

With little time to find a suitable replacement, team owner Marc van der Straten has made the tough decision to withdraw from this year’s season.

“Although I am saddened to leave this pioneering competition, I have to be true to the principles and competitive values of the team,” Van der Straten said. We have invested time and effort over the last two years working with Mike di Meglio to be able to fight for great things with him. Having to give up our rider due to a calendar incompatibility has completely changed the project we have been betting on for some time.

“Given the short time available before the start of the competition to start a new project, we have decided to withdraw from the FIM Enel MotoE World Cup. I want to thank all the friends and sponsors who have accompanied us in this beautiful adventure these last two years.”

As things stand the 2021 MotoE season will get underway at Jerez on May 2 and will be a six-event, seven-race season. The electric bikes will also visit Le Mans, Assen, Barcelona, the Red Bull Ring and Misano. If the season goes ahead as planned it’ll be the first time that MotoE machines have raced at Barcelona and Assen.