Image: Supplied.

Team France has removed MX2 World Championship rookie Tom Vialle from its 2019 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations (MXoN) squad due to a logo dispute.

The disagreement has been sparked over the size of Vialle’s Red Bull KTM Factory Racing logo on the jersey required to be worn by Team France, one of the only nations to impose strict guidelines on branding and sponsors at the prestigious event.

The French talent explained his exclusion has been caused by a centimetre of real estate on the jersey, which the French federation declined

“I will not ride at the MXoN for a cap,” said Vialle in a statement. “To be precise we are talking about some centimetre on the cap, but the French federation does not accept. The only one nation that will not accept it! I’m very disappointed because I was motivated to ride at this race. Thank you everybody for the support.”

President of the French federation, Jacques Bolle, commented: “I am really saddened by this situation, especially for Tom, but for my part, I consider that the drivers must first wear the colors of France at the MXON. Trademarks are necessary, but they can not impose at the expense of national colors.”

Maxime Renaux (Yamaha) has now been drafted in to replace Vialle alongside Gautier Paulin (Monster Energy Wilvo Yamaha) and Jordi Tixier (KTM) – who’s filling in for the injured Romain Febvre (Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing) – as the team attempts to claim five consecutive MXoN victories at Assen in the Netherlands on 28-29 September.