Marc VDS pulls out of four-wheel motorsport

The Marc VDS Racing Team will no longer compete in any four-wheel motorsport after president Marc van der Straten blasts its 'spirit and values' but underlines his commitment to MotoGP and Moto2 world championships.

After threatening to withdraw from all car motorsport at the end of 2016, Marc VDS were lured back with an entry to the Renault Sport Trophy Series in a three-year project, going on to clinch the drivers' and team's titles this season.

However, after enduring further frustration with sponsors and organisers with constant rule tweaks - while Renault confirmed it will withdraw from running and participating in the series - van der Straten has called time on Marc VDS Racing Team's operations in car motorsport in a damning and honest statement.

"Car racing has long been my great passion. A passion that my father had conveyed to me as he passed on to me many values," van der Straten said. "For ten years, initially as a sponsor with Tony Gillet and his Vertigo, and then as a stable boss, I gathered around me different people from whom I got many successes including this fantastic victory at the 24 Hours of Spa in 2015. This year again, we shone in the Renault Sport Tophy.

"Unfortunately, I have just been disappointed by what has become car racing. Rules that vary according to the whims of each other, competitions that disappear as quickly as they were created, sponsors who do not keep their engagements, people without morals, profiteers.

"I no longer recognise the spirit and the values that I knew and that I find today in motorcycle sport with the fabulous men who surround me.

"That's why I decided to put a definitive end to the commitment of the Marc VDS Racing Team in car motorsport to dedicate my activity in the motorcycle world championship. I thank all those who helped us shine on four wheels during these ten years, and I wish them all the best for the future."

Marc VDS threatened to leave four-wheel motorsport 12 months ago after a clash of morale and distrust with team managers.

In 2013, Marc VDS were crowned Blancpain Endurance Series as a 'Pro Cup Team Champions' and two years later won the prestigious 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps.

Marc VDS Racing Team will continue with its commitments in MotoGP and Moto2.