Our commitment in Moto2
TotalEnergies and Moto2
In addition to its successes in the premier class, the TotalEnergies group has never neglected the lower categories, whether introductory or intermediate. In the 1970s, a number of riders were supported and wore the ELFcolours: Jean-François Baldé, Olivier Chevalier, Michel Rougerie, Christian Léon... to name but a few. A few years later, the French oil company's competition managers provided long-standing support for the French Vitesse team, with which Régis Laconi and Olivier Jacque excelled in 1993 and 1994. Two riders who were subsequently able to compete in the Grand Prix, again thanks to the support of the ELF brand. Since the advent of Moto2, created in 2010 to replace the 250 category and its two-stroke engines, Total has been present in the intermediate class with the Marc VDS Racing structure. This loyalty has enabled the Belgian team to win three world championship titles with Tito Rabat in 2014, Franco Morbidelli in 2017 and Alex Marquez in 2019. Since 2020, the ELF brand has been the title sponsor, with the team taking the name ELF Marc VDS Racing. A strong commitment in an ultra-disputed category with unique engines, where the slightest detail affects performance. The regulations are indeed more restrictive than in MotoGP, limiting the possibilities for development during the season. With no limitation on fuel tank capacity, engineers nevertheless have greater flexibility in overall management, allowing them to focus fully on the pursuit of performance. This work is notably centered on the optimization of lubricants and technical solutions.
In 2026, two new riders, Deniz Öncü and Aron Canet, will be carrying the colors of ELF Marc VDS Racing.
The challenges
As it enters its 17th season, the Moto2 World Championship is approaching 2026 with the same philosophy: a category where technical equality puts the talent of the riders first. All riders have the same 765cc Triumph three-cylinder engines, Pirelli tyres and standardised electronics. In this context, the difference lies mainly in the chassis and the teams' ability to make the most of a now well-known package. On the 2026 grid, Kalex remains the clear majority, equipping 20 of the 28 riders entered, confirming the German manufacturer's strong comeback after being challenged in recent years by Boscoscuro. Last season marked a new stage in the sporting progress of the category. The 22 circuits visited saw their lap records broken, proof of an ever-higher level of competition. Moto2 bikes now regularly exceed 300 km/h depending on the track and are performing at levels that sometimes bring them closer to the MotoGP bikes of the early 2000s. On the sporting front, the rivalry between Kalex and Boscoscuro remains one of the main themes of the championship. As the new season gets underway, most of the title contenders are with the German manufacturer, including Manuel Gonzalez, Barry Baltus and Daniel Holgado. Aron Canet is the exception among the favourites, remaining loyal to Boscoscuro. Behind this group, Forward will continue its development with two machines, still in search of a truly benchmark result. In a category where the gaps are often narrow and the hierarchy can change quickly, the 2026 season once again looks set to be wide open. Between young talents on the rise and more experienced riders chasing the title, the Moto2 category should continue to offer a close championship, where consistency and regularity will make the difference over the Grands Prix.
Update on March 2026
