In a surprising turn of events, Marc VDS Racing Team has announced it will end its Moto2 program after the 2026 season. The Belgian squad will shift its full attention to the Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) starting in 2027, just two and a half months after the passing of founder Marc van der Straten on July 5. The decision marks the end of an era for the team in the intermediate class.
Marc van der Straten was more than just a team owner; he was a passionate supporter of privateer racing for decades. His legacy includes three Moto2 world titles and a strong presence in WorldSBK. Now, without his guiding hand, the team has chosen to close its Moto2 chapter and embark on a new journey in WorldSBK. Marc VDS has been a staple in Moto2, but the absence of its founder has forced a reevaluation of priorities.
Canet and Oncu Secure New Rides
The departure of Marc VDS from Moto2 has left its current riders, Aron Canet and Deniz Oncu, searching for new homes. Both have already secured seats for 2027. Canet, who had a contract with Marc VDS until the end of 2028, will remain in Moto2 with REDS Fantic. He will partner Belgian rider Barry Baltus, taking the spot vacated by Tony Arbolino. Meanwhile, Deniz Oncu, the 23-year-old Turkish rider, will leave Boscoscuro and return to Kalex after reaching an agreement with Momovem RW. This team is close to his circle, as Oncu is managed by Kenan Sofuoglu and shares a strong friendship with Toprak Razgatlioglu.
Canet's move to REDS Fantic signals a new chapter in his career. The Spanish rider has shown promise but has yet to secure a title. On the other hand, Oncu returns to Kalex after a stint with Boscoscuro. This switch could be the springboard he needs to showcase his potential in the highly competitive Moto2 class.
Three World Titles and a MotoGP Legacy
Marc VDS leaves Moto2 with an impressive trophy cabinet. The team clinched three world championships with Tito Rabat, Franco Morbidelli, and Alex Marquez, names that are etched in the recent history of the class. The team, once managed by Michael Bartholemy, also competed in MotoGP from 2015 to 2018 with Honda, securing a memorable victory with Jack Miller in the premier class.
The loss of Marc VDS leaves a significant void in the Moto2 grid. At least two slots will be vacant and no new teams will fill them, reducing the Moto2 field to 28 riders in 2027. The championship promoter, Liberty, is even considering trimming it further to 26 participants in the medium term. This could signal the fading era of successful privateer teams in Moto2. However, in WorldSBK, the Marc VDS project will continue under the guidance of Marina Rossi, wife of Sam Lowes. Lowes will remain the team's sole rider despite rumors of a possible expansion to two bikes.
Marc VDS's exit from Moto2 is a blow to fans who have followed the team's journey over the years. But it's also part of the ever-changing landscape of motorsport, where priorities and circumstances evolve. What's certain is that Marc van der Straten's legacy will live on through the team as it focuses on WorldSBK. The future of Moto2 will be intriguing to watch, especially whether other privateer teams will follow suit or if factory teams will dominate even more.
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