After two decades at the helm of the IRTA (International Road Racing Teams Association), Hervé Poncharal, head of Tech3, has announced his resignation. At the age of 68, celebrated at the last Qatar Grand Prix, the Frenchman, an iconic figure in the paddock, is stepping down as president of the association representing all Grand Prix teams. "Twenty years is a very long time, and it's rare for someone to stay in office for that long. Democratic structures must evolve," says Poncharal, who has always advocated for renewal.
It's the end of an era in the MotoGP paddock. After 20 years as president of theIRTA, the Association of all Grand Prix teams, Hervé Poncharal is preparing to hand over. An emblematic figure of the world championship, the boss of Tech3 has established itself over the decades as a respected and essential voice for independent teams.
« President – it sounds more extraordinary than it is. Finally, It's about being a credible representative of all teams ", puts it into perspective speedweek Poncharal, always lucid and modest despite his central role behind the scenes at MotoGP. Since his election in 2005, his name has never been called into question: " I have offered my resignation several times, but I was always asked to continue. »*
But this time, the transition seems to be complete. Hervé Poncharal, who has just celebrated his 68 years in Qatar, wishes to make way for a new democratic dynamic. And to ensure a solid succession, he himself proposed the name of Lucio Cecchinello, team boss LCR, former driver and respected figure in the paddock.
Hervé Poncharal: “ Lucio Cecchinello has a similar story to mine »
« Lucio has a similar story to mine, he knows all the categories, has the second oldest team after Tech3, and he is very well connected. He's an old-school team owner ", said Poncharal, convinced of the ideal profile of his successor.
Initially reserved, Cecchinello finally accepted, after discussion with Poncharal et Carmelo Ezpeleta, the great architect of modern MotoGP. As a result, he is currently the only candidate for succession, even if the list remains open until May 21, deadline before the vote planned at the general meeting in Silverstone.
« I'll probably shed a tear, but it's the right time ", confides the Frenchman with emotion. A quiet departure, but loaded with symbolism for the man who, since 1990, has embodied independence, passion and stability in the MotoGP paddock.
If no other candidate comes forward, Lucio Cecchinello will take the helm of IRTA at the British Grand Prix, ensuring continuity in the spirit of collaboration and dialogue that Poncharal will have shaped it for two decades. MotoGP is turning a page, but remains in good hands.
