In a heartfelt announcement made during a press conference in Barcelona, Hervé Poncharal revealed he will step down from his leadership role at the Tech3 MotoGP team. After guiding the team for 35 years, Poncharal confirmed that starting January 1, 2026, Guenther Steiner and Richard Coleman will take over management of the French racing outfit. This news marks a significant turning point in the MotoGP world and signals the end of an era for Poncharal, who has been a central figure in the sport.
A Difficult Personal Decision Rooted in Passion for MotoGP
With visible emotion, Poncharal described the internal struggle he faced before deciding to part ways with the team that has defined much of his life. Reflecting on the deep connection he holds with MotoGP, he stated,
“I’ve been contemplating for a long time about the day I would shift to a new direction in my life. As Carlos mentioned, this is undoubtedly an emotional moment because when you’re in MotoGP, you feel it deep within your core. MotoGP is my life; the rest are mere details. We don’t turn this page lightly… it’s an incredibly strong addiction.”
—Hervé Poncharal
His words highlighted the intensity of his bond with the sport and the difficulty of stepping away from something so integral to his identity.
A Close-Knit Community and the Family Feeling of MotoGP
Poncharal also spoke warmly about the MotoGP paddock, emphasizing the strong camaraderie within the community. Despite the typical complaints about demanding race schedules, he described the environment as one filled with love and mutual respect. He reflected,
“Even when we complain – too many races, this or that – we love it; we live it. This morning, as I arrived, everyone embraced me, we greeted each other, and that’s my family.”
—Hervé Poncharal
This sense of family has been a core part of Poncharal’s long tenure and devotion to the sport.
Passing the Torch: Trusting Steiner and Coleman with Tech3’s Future
Comparing the Tech3 team to a beloved child, Poncharal expressed his desire to see it continue flourishing under new leadership. He said,
“It’s like having a healthy child; you want them to continue living, growing, and succeeding. At some point, you have to pass the baton. I contemplated how to proceed, who to hand it to, and we met with a few individuals.”
—Hervé Poncharal
His careful consideration led to the decision to entrust the team‘s future to Guenther Steiner and Richard Coleman.
Overcoming Initial Apprehension to Find Common Ground with Guenther Steiner
Initially intimidated by Guenther Steiner’s commanding presence, Poncharal soon discovered a shared humanity that eased his concerns. Regarding their relationship, he said,
“At first, I was a bit scared because when you see him, you think, ‘He looks like he could hit you.’ I was intimidated. But honestly, I found him to be incredibly human. He’s the type of person who listens to your wishes, cares about what you’ve done, and who you are. We might not be cut from the same cloth, but we have much in common.”
—Hervé Poncharal
This connection convinced Poncharal that Steiner was the right person to lead Tech3 onward.
Ensuring a Smooth Transition While Remaining Available
Poncharal signed a formal agreement to continue leading the company until the end of 2025, before handing over full control to Steiner and Coleman. He reassured the MotoGP community by stating,
“That’s why I chose to sign a protocol with Guenther, deciding that I would lead the company until the end of 2025, and starting January 1, 2026, everything will be in Guenther and Richard’s hands.”
—Hervé Poncharal
He also expressed willingness to support if needed, adding,
“If they need me, I’ll be there, but I also want to assure all our collaborators, partners, and riders that everything is secure. 2026 will unfold as if I were still here.”
—Hervé Poncharal
This approach aims to provide stability and confidence for the team and its stakeholders during the transition period.
Gratitude to Carmelo Ezpeleta for Pivotal Support
In his emotional address, Poncharal honored Mr. Carmelo Ezpeleta for his influential role in both Poncharal’s career and the wider MotoGP paddock. He expressed deep appreciation, saying,
“First and foremost, I want to thank someone who has been immensely important to the MotoGP paddock and even more so to me. He is a friend, a mentor, the person I’ve learned the most from, and with whom I cherish both joyful and serious moments. That person is Mr. Carmelo Ezpeleta.”
—Hervé Poncharal
He further acknowledged,
“Tech3 wouldn’t be what it is today without Carmelo Ezpeleta. The MotoGP paddock wouldn’t be what it is without him. It gives me chills. I’ll stop here before I start crying.”
—Hervé Poncharal
The tribute underlined the importance of Ezpeleta’s mentorship and leadership in shaping the team’s success.
A New Chapter for Tech3 and MotoGP
This milestone represents the conclusion of Hervé Poncharal’s remarkable era with Tech3, but also initiates a promising future under Guenther Steiner’s leadership. Known for his charismatic and strategic approach, Steiner is set to guide the team into an exciting next phase within MotoGP’s competitive environment. Fans, riders, and collaborators alike await the unfolding of this new journey, with Poncharal’s legacy continuing to resonate across the paddock.
