MotoGP, the volcanic Steiner arrives: the former Haas F1 team principal takes over the Tech3 team.

MotoGP will have a new face starting in 2026: Gunther Steiner. Leading the Ikon Capital consortium, the Italian manager, fresh from his experience in F1 as team principal for Haas, has acquired Tech3 Racing, a satellite team of KTM. The transfer of ownership from longtime founder Hervé Poncharal will take place at the end of this season. The new structure will therefore continue its commitment to the premier class, as well as Moto3. This significant change was announced during a press conference held in Montmelò, where MotoGP is gaining familiarity with the Catalan track.

In addition to the new ownership, the roles held at Tech3 Racing were announced. Steiner will be the team's CEO. Richard Coleman, a partner in the project, will take over as team manager, previously held by Poncharal. Hervé will lead the team until the end of 2025. He will then become a consultant, focusing on the development of young talent. The team will continue to compete under its current name Tech3 and will maintain its current agreements with KTM. The historic headquarters, located in Bormes-les-Mimosas, France, will also remain unchanged.

Poncharal is leaving the team he founded in 1990. Among his accomplishments is the 250cc title won in 2000 thanks to Olivier Jacque. In the top class, he has achieved 38 podiums and two wins. An emotional Hervé explains: “This is the end of an era, but also the beginning of an exciting adventure for all of us. When Gunther contacted me expressing his interest in the team, it seemed like the perfect time to make this change. I know he will lead the team with determination, ambition, and integrity, without forgetting the rock 'n' roll spirit on which it was founded.” Steiner, for his part, calls his arrival a fantastic opportunity and adds: “Tech3 is a great team, with enormous potential and an impressive tradition. We are honored to be able to take over and build on this foundation. We are also thrilled to be part of the MotoGP paddock. We want to maximize the potential of the team and this ever-growing sport, helping to bring it to new audiences.”

Gunther is new to MotoGP, but F1 fans are familiar with the Italian manager. Born in Merano on April 7, 1965, Steiner joined the sport in 2001. His arrival was fueled by his experience in the World Rally Championship, first as technical director for M-Sport and then as engineering director for Ford, working alongside Carlos Sainz Sr. and Colin McRae. Selected by Niki Lauda, ​​Gunther led Jaguar as chief engineering officer. After switching from the British manufacturer to Red Bull, he briefly swung to lead a NASCAR team, again under the Austrian brand's aegis. It was here that the idea of ​​forming an American F1 team, with partners like Ferrari and Dallara, took shape. A project that took off together with Gene Haas, founder of the eponymous team present in the Circus since 2016. Steiner and Haas parted ways at the beginning of 2024. Now the Italian manager, who also became famous thanks to the Netflix series “Drive to Survive” for his frank and direct style, is embarking on a new challenge.