Overview
- The Marc VDS Racing Team confirmed he died peacefully at his home in Switzerland on July 5, 2026, aged 78.
- Van der Straten built a dominant Moto2 operation that won world titles in 2014, 2017 and 2019 with riders Tito Rabat, Franco Morbidelli and Alex Marquez.
- His four‑wheel record includes a 2015 24 Hours of Spa victory and a recent return to sportscar racing that saw VDS‑backed Panis Racing win the 2025 ELMS LMP2 title.
- Teams, series organizers and colleagues issued formal tributes praising his passion and hands‑on, family‑style approach after Marc VDS reached more than 100 World Championship podiums.
- Marc VDS remains active across WorldSBK, Moto2 and GT/ELMS programmes and coverage highlights his lasting financial backing and talent development rather than questions of immediate succession.