Pons Racing will close its Moto2 operation at the end of the 2023 season, bringing the curtain down on an extensive 31 year stint in grand prix racing for the squad.
Founded by two-time 250cc world champion Sito Pons for the 1992 premier class season, the outfit went on to score a total of 14 wins across the 500cc and MotoGP classes running satellite Honda machinery before electing to focus exclusively on the intermediate class – then under the 250cc world championship umbrella – for 2009.
Pons Racing has played a part as one of the main front-running operations in the subsequent 14 years, with a sole world title coming courtesy of Pol Espargaro in 2013 in the re-named Moto2 category as well as several other championship rostrum results thanks to the likes of Hector Barbera, Maverick Vinales, Alex Rins, Tito Rabat and current rider Aron Canet, who claimed third overall in 2022.
The veteran Spaniard has elected to sell his ultra-successful team to current Moto3 outfit MSI – MT Helmets as the team makes the step into the intermediate class for next term, Pons explaining that he is proud to have made his eponymous squad a “protagonist team” across its storied history.
“Sometimes you have to make certain decisions and I think now is the time to close this very successful period that we have enjoyed with the team,” said Pons.
“From my time as a rider, it’s 42 years in the championship and when we made the project we knew we wanted to be a protagonist team and season after season we have always been fighting among the best, and our time in MotoGP was very successful, as well as the years in Moto2.
“People are what make the team work and we have been lucky to have the best. I also want to thank all MotoGP, Dorna and IRTA for their constant help and support.
“Now it’s time to step aside and face the future with optimism. We will always see each other on the circuits.”
Keyword: Ex-MotoGP outfit Pons Racing to leave Moto2 at end of 2023