Savoya split from HB-HPI Racing and Team Orion

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By Aaron Waldron
LiveRC.com

Around 6:30 PM CST on January 17, French off-road star Renaud Savoya posted a message to his Facebook page confirming rumors of the end of his time with HB-HPI Racing, as well as the conclusion of his relationship with Team Orion having signed with RC Concept on January 5.

In a Facebook message, Savoya suggested that it was perhaps his new agreement with RC Concept that led to his dismissal from HB-HPI Racing - as the brand has close ties with Team Orion.

Savoya, the only driver to win three-straight European Championships (2008-2010), was displeased to find out that his HB-HPI Racing contract had been terminated prematurely - according to him, he thought the partnership was going well. Gracefully, Savoya thanked other members of the team with whom he worked closely. In regards to Team Orion, however, Savoya said that he had chosen to leave because he was not happy.

Here is the English translation of the post, from Facebook:

"As rumors are going wild, I need to clear the situation...Indeed as of Monday, January 11th, HB / HPI Racing has decided to terminate my contract prematurely without notice and for reasons unfounded in my opinion. For the last 13 months now I had more fun than ever in my work, being part of a team that I appreciated greatly. The people, the products, the services, everything was perfect and I always spoke good about the company, my smile on the racetracks could attest it every day. I find myself today without employer with personnal projects and a family that will soon expand.

I decided to leave Team Orion because the performances and service no longer reached my expectations. My present breach of contract might be a collateral damage to my engine change...

I want to thank everyone at HB / HPI Racing who welcomed me and helped me during these 13 months: Torrance Deguzman, Hiroyuki Kasuya, Ty and Gord Tessman, David and Pierre Ronnefalk...

I hope to see you soon on the tracks, because my passion is the same as you: R/C car racing.

#‎FailureIsNotAnOption"

As of Sunday, Savoya had not yet confirmed a new deal for the 2016 season, but had already started working on other options. He will, of course, use RC Concept engines and electronics this year and continue with JConcepts.