Moto2: Danny Kent splits from Kiefer Racing

Former world champion Danny Kent has announced a shock split from the Kiefer Racing Moto2 team.

The Englishman did not start today's Austin race, with talk of a pinched nerve in his back providing some time to think the decision through. Kent has now tweeted his departure from the Suter-backed squad, after just 3 of 18 rounds.

Kent and his management are understood to be looking for an alternative ride for the rest of the season.

1/3. Due to irreconcilable differences I've decided to part ways with Kiefer Racing and the Moto2 Team.-- Danny Kent (@DannyKent52) April 23, 2017

2/3. It's been a difficult period since joining the team and I don't feel I'm able to reach my potential so I've decided to step away.-- Danny Kent (@DannyKent52) April 23, 2017

3/3. I'm still hungry & determined & believe I can be competitive in Moto2. I wish Kiefer Racing the best for the future.-- Danny Kent (@DannyKent52) April 23, 2017

Kent returned to Moto2 with Kiefer on the back of his historic 2015 Moto3 title victory, but was only 22nd in the championship on a Kalex last season, then scored three points in the opening two rounds of this season.

Team-mate Dominique Aegerter claimed Suter's best result of the year with fifth place on Sunday.

Team boss Stefan Kiefer declared:
"In practice, three Suter MMX2 bikes were in the top eleven. And in the race, both Dominique and Marcel demonstrated how competitive our package is.

"Dominique finished just ten seconds behind the race winner and just one second behind Alex M?rquez, the early race leader. Marcel was not far behind. Taking this into consideration, Danny's decision is certainly not easy to understand.

"But of course, we will respect his decision. By mid next week, we hope to be able to announce the replacement rider for the upcoming Grand Prix at Jerez."

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