MXON drama: Maxime Renaux replaces Tom Vialle!
No injury but a conflict of sponsor interests keeps Tom Vialle aside! That is the verdict of a game of tug-of-war between the French federation and Vialle's sponsor Red Bull. The water between the two parties turned out to be too deep and so the FFM calls on Maxime Renaux!
How much visibility do a rider's usual sponsors get during that one race a year in national colors? That is the point of the conflict. In the past, there have been tensions between personal sponsors and national federations. Ultimately, MX2 seasonal revelation Tom Vialle will have to miss the crowning achievement of his fantastic season. Now that no comparison has been found in this heated discussion, this is unfortunately a sad scoop...
The FFM press release clearly leaves nothing to be desired: “Following the refusal of one of the commercial partners of the KTM team to accept the FFM's proposal regarding the equipment of the French team, the federation is forced to Tom Vialle to be replaced by Max Renaux. Neither side has found a solution to this problem that goes far beyond our sport. Tom Vialle will not participate in his first Motocross Nations in the French team. An absolutely pathetic situation for the young Frenchman.
The statement from FFM chairman Jacques Bolle: “I'm really saddened by this situation, especially for Tom. But I believe that riders should initially wear the colors of the French MX of Nations team. Commercial brands are necessary, but they cannot impose their will at the expense of national colors.” Maxime Renaux (photo above) has been called up to replace Tom Vialle. The Yamaha rider will therefore become the MX2 rider alongside Gautier Paulin (MXGP) and Jordi Tixier (Open).
What do you think of this turn of events? Is the French federation right?
Photos: shotbyBavo, Yamaha Racing
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