MotoGP: Former F1 team boss Steiner becomes KTM Tech3 outfit's CEO
Haas team's former leader Guenther Steiner is swapping four wheels to two wheels as the German-Italian is set to join MotoGP as leader of the KTM Tech3 outfit.
Former F1 team principal Guenther Steiner is adding another motor racing category to his CV after being named as the head of a consortium that will acquire the Red Bull KTM Tech3 MotoGP team.
With the new owners begins a new era, and that will see Steiner assume the role of CEO while project partner Richard Coleman is set to become Team Principal.
Founder and current Team Principal, Hervé Poncharal, will continue to lead Tech3 through the current campaign. He will then transition to a consultant role, nurturing young talent while passing on his invaluable experience in MotoGP.
The new owners have confirmed that the team will continue to compete as Tech3, fielding KTM machinery as per their current agreements, and retain their long-standing base in Bormes-les-Mimosas, France.
Steiner is best known as the outspoken founding Team Principal of the Haas F1 Team.
After starting his career as an engineer in rallying, his motorsport CV has expanded exponentially in the four decades since, including senior roles at Jaguar Racing and Red Bull Racing.
Speaking of the announcement, Steiner added: "This is a fantastic opportunity. 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 stated: "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."
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.
Reflecting on the agreement, Hervé Poncharal said: "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."
Steiner has been evaluating opportunities in MotoGP for more than two years, driven by a long-standing belief in MotoGP’s strength as a sports entertainment property alongside the potential to evolve Tech3 from a successful racing team into a sports franchise.
Speaking of the news, MotoGP’s Chief Sporting Officer Carlos Ezpeleta added: "It’s a pleasure to welcome Guenther to MotoGP. We’re in a great moment for the sport, continuing our trajectory of growth, and poised for that to accelerate even more.
"Tech3’s legacy speaks for itself, as does Hervé’s contribution to the sport, and this new era is set to build on that even further, so this is an exciting win-win.
"Although he will still be around as he transitions into a consultant role from next year, we want to thank Hervé for everything he has achieved and contributed to MotoGP, and to give Guenther and Richard a warm welcome to our paddock. We’re excited to work all together."
