RW Racing GP enters a new phase: Roelof Waninge passes the baton as team bids farewell to Jarno Janssen

RW Racing GP, the only Dutch team active in the MotoGP World Championship, is preparing for a new phase in its existence. Founder and owner Roelof Waninge is passing the baton to the second generation of the Waninge family after fourteen years. At the same time, the team is parting ways with team manager Jarno Janssen, who has played a key role within the organisation since 2012.

The 78-year-old entrepreneur from Drenthe, Roelof Waninge, founded RW Racing GP in 2011 and developed the team from Dwingeloo into a solid presence in the Moto2 class. After more than a decade as an involved owner, he has decided to step back after this season. Daily management of the team will be taken over by his son Sjarno and daughter Joyce, who are currently working on a forward-looking restructuring of the team.

The Waninge family’s primary goal is to keep RW Racing GP active as a fully-fledged Dutch Grand Prix team in the MotoGP World Championship in the years to come. In this context, the team has decided to end its collaboration with Jarno Janssen — who served as team manager for many years — following a difference of opinion regarding the team’s future direction.

Roelof Waninge: “Over the past fourteen years, I have been passionately involved as the owner of RW Racing GP. During that period, we have proven as a relatively small motorcycle racing nation that the Netherlands can still play a role in the MotoGP World Championship. In recent months, I have reflected on my role and the team’s future. Given my age, I have decided to pass the baton to the second generation. Sjarno and Joyce have agreed to continue RW Racing GP, and I am extremely grateful to them for that. I wish them every success in further developing the team and would also like to thank Jarno for his years of dedication and commitment.”

Jarno Janssen: “I look back on my years at RW Racing GP with great pride and appreciation. Together, we have followed a remarkable journey — from a Dutch dream to a solid presence in the Moto2 World Championship. In recent times, we have had intensive discussions about the future and the direction the team should take. Ultimately, differences of opinion arose regarding how to shape that future. With respect for those differences, we are now going our separate ways.

I am grateful for the trust and opportunities I have received at RW Racing GP, and I want to thank Roelof and his family for the collaboration and the many wonderful moments we shared. Personally, a new phase is beginning for me. My heart remains with the sport — with the people, the riders, and the pursuit of representing the Netherlands at the highest level in motorsport.”

The new plans for RW Racing GP, which will emphasize maintaining its Dutch identity, will be announced at a later date through an official press release.