Trackhouse is parting ways with Wilco Zeelenberg at the end of the season: The riders regret the decision, but Zeelenberg is now superfluous at Trackhouse
The Trackhouse-Aprilia team is parting ways with Wilco Zeelenberg at the end of the current MotoGP season. This marks the end of a long collaboration that began with the Petronas-Yamaha team, continued with RNF-Yamaha and later RNF-Aprilia and is now entering its final chapter at Trackhouse-Aprilia.
Team manager Davide Brivio confirmed the separation at the end of MotoGP 2024 during the MotoGP weekend in Aragon. “Yes, we have made this decision,” Brivio told MotoGP.com.
Zeelenberg became superfluous at Trackhouse due to the new structure with Brivio. Brivio thanks Zeelenberg for his contribution: “I have to commend Wilco for what he has done. When I came here, I found a team that he has built up over the years. “
“The rest of the team will not change for the most part,” explains Brivio, regretting that Zeelenberg will no longer be part of the team next year. “On the one hand it’s sad, but on the other hand it’s an economic decision that was very difficult,” said the Italian.
Why Miguel Oliveira sees Wilco Zeelenberg as an important team member
The news was not well received by the riders. Miguel Oliveira, who is leaving the team anyway, sees the separation from Zeelenberg as a loss. “It is a great pity. Wilco is a great asset to the team,” Oliveira is convinced
According to Oliveira, Zeelenberg was always a very good link between the riders and the management. “He works directly with us and therefore he understands better what we need. Having been a rider himself, he understands our frustration and mindset better. He always gives good advice,” praises Oliveira.
“Of course, I can’t say that I will miss him because I will no longer be with the team. But it is a loss for the team,” said the Portuguese rider, who is expected to ride for Pramac-Yamaha next year.
Trackhouse teammate Raul Fernandez also regrets Zeelenberg’s departure: “I’m disappointed about the news because I get on very well with him. He has been able to help me several times. That’s why I can’t say anything bad about him. I regret it, but it’s not my decision. “