A consortium led by former Haas F1 team principal Gunther Steiner has acquired full ownership of the Tech3 KTM MotoGP team.
Steiner had been rumoured to be part of an effort to buy the KTM satellite team from its founder Herve Poncharal, with the deal being confirmed at the Catalan MotoGP round.
The full acquisition of Tech3 by investors led by IKON Capital also includes its Moto3 team, with Steiner committing to nurturing young talent in his role as CEO.
The ownership will come into effect from the start of the 2026 MotoGP season, with Poncharal remaining team principal until the end of he current campaign before stepping back into a consultant role.
Steiner also confirmed the intention to continue competing as Tech3, fielding KTM machinery and retaining its long-standing base in Bormes-les-Mimosas, France.
“This is a fantastic opportunity,” Steiner said in a MotoGP press conference.
“Tech3 is a great team with a huge amount of potential and an impressive legacy.
“Hervé’s impact on the team and MotoGP itself cannot be overstated, and we’re honoured to take over and keep building on those foundations.
“We’re excited to become part of the MotoGP paddock and maximise the potential of the team and the sport as it continues to grow, helping to bring it to new audiences.”
Richard Coleman, who will become Team Principal following Poncharal’s departure added: “We are approaching this project with humility, recognising the incredible talent and expertise that already exists across the MotoGP paddock, but also with ambition.
“We’re here to compete, not just participate, on every level, with a real passion for the sport. We want to connect with even more fans and show off the best of MotoGP.”
‘End of an era’ – Tech3 boss Herve Poncharal to bid farewell to MotoGP at the end of the season
Founded in 1990, Tech3 is one of the MotoGP paddock’s longest-serving teams.
Joining the MotoGP class in 2001 after winning the 2000 250cc title, the team has taken 38 MotoGP podiums and won two MotoGP Grand Prix races to date.
“This is the end of an era, but also the beginning of an exciting one for all of us.
“I’m very proud of everything we’ve achieved since Tech3 was born, winning MotoGP races and taking so many podiums, as well as what we have built over these decades with all the people we crossed paths with.
“When Guenther approached me with an interest in the team, it seemed to fall into place as the perfect moment to make this change. I know that Guenther will lead the team with direction, ambition, and integrity – not forgetting that little bit of rock’n’roll spirit it was founded on.
“Tech3 will be in good hands to help it grow even more in this new era for MotoGP.”
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