Hervé Poncharal, the founder of the Red Bull KTM Tech3 team, is set to finalize the sale of his racing outfit to a consortium led by Günther Steiner, marking a significant change ahead of the 2026 season. Poncharal will step back into a consultancy role, while Richard Coleman is slated to become the new team principal starting January 1, 2026. This shift unfolds as Poncharal travels to the Japanese Grand Prix at Motegi, with his leadership at Tech3 concluding at the end of the current season.
Insights Into the New Ownership and Management Plans
Although Poncharal has withheld full details on Steiner’s ambitions for 2025, he expressed a positive outlook for the team’s future. He revealed,
Steiner has his sights set on the Grands Prix of Portimão and Valencia,
highlighting the initial race targets. Additionally, Coleman is already evaluating team preparations in Misano. Poncharal added,
For now, we will operate as usual, but if Günther and Richard want to join a Grand Prix, they are always welcome.
Tech3’s contractual arrangements with Dorna remain secure until 2026, while ongoing negotiations focus on the forthcoming 850cc era spanning 2027 to 2031. Poncharal emphasized his complete ownership of Tech3, noting the team’s deep legacy within MotoGP since its creation in 1990, stating, I own 100% of Tech3, underscoring his personal stake in the team’s heritage.
High-Profile Investors and Strategic Objectives
The acquisition involves the investor group APEX, which includes McLaren F1 driver Lando Norris, with the transaction reportedly valued at around €20 million and financed by IKON Capital. Günther Steiner is expected to assume the CEO position in 2026, underlining plans to preserve the team’s French base and continue its partnership with KTM.
Poncharal’s Vision for MotoGP’s Structural Evolution
At age 68, Poncharal is embracing a less hands-on role while proposing substantial changes to the sport’s team dynamics. He articulated a desire to blur the distinction between official MotoGP teams and satellite squads, modeling the league more closely on Formula 1’s framework. He stated,
We aim to have eleven MotoGP teams, eliminating distinctions between official and independent squads,
envisioning a more unified grid.
Maintaining a Balance Between MotoGP and Smaller Categories
Despite the increasing popularity of MotoGP, Poncharal is unconcerned about it overshadowing Moto2 and Moto3. He views the premier class’s dominance as an opportunity to enhance the sport overall, asserting,
In the future, the garages may be exclusively for MotoGP teams,
while affirming that the smaller categories will benefit from improved presentation and facilities.
He remains firm that Moto3 and Moto2 will retain their essential roles within Grand Prix racing, commenting,
Moto3 and Moto2 will continue to play a vital role in the GP races ahead.
Furthermore, Poncharal pointed out the importance of these feeder categories by stating,
All current MotoGP champions have emerged from Moto3 and Moto2, where they honed their skills on the safest stages,
highlighting their critical contribution to rider development.
The Impact of MotoGP’s Growth on the Entire Sport
While MotoGP’s expanding appeal is likely to draw more partners and sponsors, Poncharal insists this growth benefits Moto2 and Moto3 as well. He stated confidently,
The healthier MotoGP becomes, the better it is for Moto3 and Moto2,
noting how initiatives from companies like Red Bull and Yamaha illustrate the interconnected nature of the divisions, as new talent climbs the ranks.
Financial Challenges and the Need for Cost Control in Racing
Poncharal advocates strongly for managing costs within the sport, stressing that advancing performance must not come with unsustainable expenses. Reflecting on his experience with team management, he argued,
Our main hurdle isn’t performance; it’s funding,
revealing the persistent financial challenges faced by teams trying to remain competitive.
Looking Ahead: The Future Role of Poncharal and the Sport’s Evolution
As the motorcycle racing world prepares for these changes, Poncharal’s influence and expertise will shape MotoGP’s continued rise without undermining the vital roles of Moto2 and Moto3. His vision ensures that while MotoGP shines on the global stage, the foundational categories remain indispensable to nurturing new talent and sustaining the sport’s growth.
