Kent quits Kiefer Moto2 team after Austin no-show

The British rider returned to Moto2 last year with the Kiefer squad - then branded as 'Leopard Racing' - that took him to the Moto3 title in 2015.

But Kent suffered a difficult 2016 season, ending up just 22nd in the points, and had only scored three points in his first two races for the team this year after a switch from Kalex to Suter machinery over the winter.

The 23-year-old failed to take part in Sunday's Austin race, having claimed to suffer a back injury following morning warm-up.

"After this morning's warm-up I pinched something in my back and I'm not feeling confident to race," Kent said in a statement prior to the race.

"I'm sorry to the team but I don't feel it would be responsible of me to start the Austin GP with this discomfort."

However, after the race, Kent announced on social media that he will no longer be riding for the Kiefer squad, which took Stefan Bradl to the Moto2 title back in 2011, for future races.

"Due to irreconcilable differences I've decided to part ways with Kiefer Racing and the Moto2 team," he wrote on Twitter.

"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's departure leaves Dominique Aegerter as Kiefer's sole Moto2 rider, with the Swiss rider lying 10th in the points as the top Suter rider after three races.