It will not have escaped your notice that a French team is racing MotoGP. Tech3 found itself at the heart of the news last year, separating itself from its two usual Yamahas to now enter KTM RC16s. But Tech 3 is not new: return to this true institution in the world of Grands Prix.
The story begins in the early 1980s, with the emergence of a certain Hervé Poncharal. Ex winner of the ACO Guidon and the AGV Trophy, he very quickly moved towards team management. He surrounds himself with friends, such as Guy Coulon or Dominique Sarron, brother of Christian: such a group could only work. Climbing the ranks, the structure is formed and is gradually noticed in the small world of Grands Prix.
The story begins in 1990. that year, Dominique Sarron returned to 250CC after a painful experience in the premier category. With the support of Rothmans and a state-of-the-art Honda NSR250, the Sarron-Tech3 duo had a mixed year, but one that will mark them for life. They got by, working in small premises, but having fun. Enormously. It was like the beginning of a dream.
Olivier Jacque charging on his Honda NSR250 at the 1996 Japanese Grand Prix. Photo: Rikita
Some encounters are more memorable than others. For the 1993 financial year, Suzuki chose the very talented John Kocinski, ex-Roberts Yamaha 500CC rider. Tech3, then responsible for an RGV250, will have to evolve with the American.
Kocinski was demanding and irregular: After a remarkable introduction, he was unable to confirm. At Assen, John is on fire in the last laps, and comes back very strong. In battle with Tetsuya Harada, he passed late in the race to finish third. He becomes mad with rage. He blows up his engine out of anger, throws his bike in the victory lap and doesn't appear on the podium. Kocinski in the text, fired a day later.
Tech3 explodes pilots who left their mark on us, positively this time. The typical profile? A warrior, hardworking and charismatic. The most representative is undoubtedly Olivier Jacque. In 2000, at the end of an exceptional race at Philip Island, “Jacque attack” passes Nakano on the line to give the team a world title (and a double thanks to the Japanese). A Frenchman is world champion, within a French team. The feat has never been reproduced before. Jacque was one of these pure Poncharal products: he had been in its ranks since 1995, and did not leave until 2003.
After a remarkable move to the 500CC for 2001, a real relationship of trust was established between Yamaha and the French. The years go by, with good things and bad things. But always with very talented drivers: Marco Melandri, Toni Elias, Sylvain Guintoli and Colin Edwards are good examples.
The 2010s allow us to move into a new dimension. The team saw an opportunity in Moto2, and even won a victory there (the only one). A Yuki Takahashi on a mission in Catalonia allowed the Mistral 610 to get the better of the Suter and other Moriwakis.
This chassis was designed by Coulon, a true modern-day wizard. A discreet man, humble as possible but enormously passionate. Today, it is impossible to dissociate Tech3 from the blond hair of the self-taught genius.
Recently, many strong-willed riders have been riding black motorcycles sponsored by a well-known energy drink. Cal Crutchlow delivered us an anthology 2013 season, establishing himself as one of the next dangers of the category and leaders of the peloton.
And besides the solid Bradley Smith and the fiery Pol Espargaró, how not to quote Johann Zarco. Arriving in 2017 with two Moto2 titles in his pocket, he quickly shone. In Qatar, for the season opener, he leads the race in front of the best drivers in the world. Unfortunately, he will never confirm, and will not become the first “Tech3 boy” to win in a MotoGP race.
And after 20 years of relationship, Yamaha and the Poncharal team part ways. Tech3 is joining forces with KTM for an ambitious project, with other horizons. If the results are timid for the moment, Miguel Oliveira shows good natural speed and could prove dangerous in the years to come.
Nearly 30 years of Grand Prix racing in my legs, and still standing. It's more than a team. He's outspoken, he's proud. It's a family, it's our representatives. It's Zarco's pole at Le Mans in 2018, it's Jacque's title. Tech 3 is, we hope, another 30 years of happiness.
Cover photo credits: Bezelkarim
