Guenther Steiner is back on the grid.
The MotoGP grid, that is.
The former Team Principal of the Haas Formula 1 team, who took a star turn with the Netflix docuseries Drive to Survive, has led an acquisition of the Red Bull KTM Tech3 MotoGP team. The consortium led by Steiner will acquire full ownership of the team, with the new structure going into effect next season.
Under the acquisition, Steiner will take the role of CEO with partner Richard Coleman becoming Team Principal. Hervé Poncharal, the founder and current Team Principal of the team, will lead Tech3 through this season before transitioning into a consultant role.
“This is a fantastic opportunity. Tech3 is a great team with a huge amount of potential and an impressive legacy,” said Steiner in the announcement. “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.”
“This is the end of an era, but also the beginning of an exciting one for all of us,” said Poncharal. “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.”
It did not take long for Steiner to inject his incredible personality. During a press conference announcing the move, the former Haas F1 boss had a simple message for his role:
You now have one more reason to watch MotoGP next season.
