THE future of Chippenham racer Danny Kent in Moto2 is up in the air after he split from Kiefer Racing at the weekend.

Kent, who won the Moto3 championship in 2015 with the Leopard-sponsored Kiefer Racing team, moved up to Moto2 with the team last season but failed to recapture that form as he finished 22nd overall with just three top-10 finishes to his name.

However, just three races into the 2017 campaign, Kent split with the team, pulling out of the GP of the Americas before the race.

“Due to irreconcilable differences I’ve decided to part ways with Kiefer Racing and the Moto2 Team,” read a statement the rider posted on social media.

“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.

“I’m still hungry and determined and believe I can be competitive in Moto2. I wish Kiefer Racing the best for the future.”

Kent had been disappointing in qualifying in Texas, only able to muster 24th place on the starting grid to the frustration of the 23-year-old.

"A disappointing outcome of this qualifying,” he said.

“Things are going very tough throughout the entire weekend. These positions are far off where we are under normal circumstances.

“I’m frustrated and disappointed, because we can’t find a right way.

“Hopefully we will make a big step for the race, however, we definitely face an even more difficult task tomorrow, coming from far down the order."

However, Kent, who had scored three points in the opening two rounds, failed to line up on the starting grid in Austin on Sunday, with talk of a pinched nerve in his back causing the young Brit difficulties.

Team manager Stefan Kiefer spoke after the race, in which team-mate Dominique Aegerter finished fifth on the Suter bike, with a further announcement expected this Thursday.

“Regarding Danny, he told us after the warm-up that he does not want to participate in the race, because he is physically unable to do so, which is obviously difficult to understand from the team’s point of view,” said Kiefer.

“Further proceedings in this matter for the upcoming race will be announced till this Thursday."

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