Odendaal and NTS RW Racing GP split

Steven Odendaal and NTS RW Racing GP have split by mutual agreement following a tough 2019 in the Moto2 world championship.

The South African rider came into this season injured, meaning he missed the opening three rounds, but once back in action he has struggled to find any front-running pace with his best result of the year being 16th place at Assen.

Odendaal and NTS RW Racing GP split

Steven Odendaal and NTS RW Racing GP have split by mutual agreement following a tough 2019 in the Moto2 world championship.

The South African rider came into this season injured, meaning he missed the opening three rounds, but once back in action he has struggled to find any front-running pace with his best result of the year being 16th place at Assen.

As a result both rider and team have agreed to go their separate ways following the British Moto2 race where he finished down in 25th place.

“Because of a serious injury, Steven missed a crucial part of the season,” Jarno Janssen, NTS RW Racing GP team manager, said. “As a result of that the sporting relationship, which has nothing to do with the human one, became difficult.

“No-one benefits from that: not the team, not the development of bike and especially not the rider. That has been the reason to decide that it is better to stop.

“That was not an easy decision because Steven has been involved in the NTS project and the development of the machine from the start. NTS RW Racing GP wants to thank him for that and we wish Steven all the best for the future.”

The 26-year-old has echoed his team boss’s comments and has thanked the team for its efforts since joining them midway through 2017.

“Of course it is a big disappointment to leave in the middle of the season,” Odendaal said. “Everybody was trying their best, but we couldn’t make it work the way we all hoped for.

“I am thankful to NTS RW Racing GP and their partners for their efforts, for the opportunities and the trust they gave me.”

NTS RW Racing GP is yet to announce a replacement rider for the remainder of 2019 to compete alongside Bo Bendsneyder. Jesko Raffin filled in for Odendaal while he was out injured at the start of the year and currently competes in MotoE for Dynavolt Intact GP.

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