Romanian cyber hardware and software company CyptoDATA has become the majority shareholder of the RNF Yamaha squad, the team set to be known as CryptoDATA RNF Aprilia from 2023.
The Malaysian-owned outfit had Italian fitness organisation WithU as its title sponsor for 2022 – its last year running as a Yamaha customer – for Andrea Dovizioso and Darryn Binder, though the brand elected to step away from the agreement after just a single season as it looked to instead focus on its cycling commitments.
Its decision may also have stemmed from Dovizioso looking to walk away following a tough term, the Italian retiring following the San Marino Grand Prix – after which he was replaced by Yamaha test rider Cal Crutchlow for the final six events.
RNF has now signed with blockchain-based cyber hardware and software developer CryptoDATA as it searched for a new title partner, though the operation will go a step further and actually take a controlling stake in the team going forward – the squad set to renamed CryptoDATA RNF as it moves into the Aprilia camp for next season.
RNF Team Principle Razlan Razali described the team’s link-up with CryptoDATA as a “historical milestone” as it looks to return to running towards the front following a largely rotten ’22 campaign running the underpowered Yamaha M1.
“Today marks a historical milestone for the team. I’d like to thank CryptoDATA for putting their trust in me and the team for the future,” said Razali.
“In a short period of time, discussions have evolved into a long term commitment. We have extended our partnership, and as I previously stated, this is a fantastic collaboration.
“My main focus is to ensure the team fights for the championship while CryptoDATA’s team consisting of young, smart, innovative, and ambitious individuals will develop strategies to strengthen our position off track.”
“With the experience from our previous successes, the same strong and passionate crew from our MotoGP garage, and a solid rider line-up, we are set for a competitive comeback with CryptoDATA for the next season.”
