2019 will have marked a turning point in the life of the French Tech3 team in MotoGP. After decades spent with Yamaha, Hervé Poncharal's men have indeed embraced a KTM cause which arrived earlier than expected. The French boss explains the reasons and circumstances while taking stock of this first year of partnership. A review that opens onto the outlook for 2020…
Hervé Poncharal therefore moved its troops from Yamaha to KTM. An Austrian brand that has revealed its enthusiasm and power, as well as its desire to succeed. A state of mind that appealed to the Frenchman: “ at KTM, development happens almost day and night. MotoGP is not just any mission for KTM, it's a kind of sacred mission ". Constant motivation which makes performance the only selection criterion for the best pieces... A situation understood by Hervé: “ when you have this experience, you can't complain. Because, of course, the best package available must go to the best driver first. And it was undoubtedly Pol Espargaró. » A Pol who was one of his riders during the seasons on the Yamaha, and whom he therefore knows very well.
« It would be stupid to complain about KTM after this year »Ensures Poncharal. " Because they have always done their best, they do their best. I can't ask for more. Because they can't do more. It was not KTM's intention to always leave us behind the factory team in terms of specifications this season. There simply wasn't enough capacity to permanently equip four riders of eight motorcycles in the same way. »
On his position, the man of Tech3 don't worry: " I am lucky not only to be able to speak regularly to Pit Beirer and Mike Leitner, but also to meet company director Stefan Pierer and board member Hubert Trunkenpolz several times a year ", Explain Poncharal. " And at the Valencia Grand Prix, it was officially announced that both KTM teams in the 2020 MotoGP World Championship will be on identical machines at the Sepang test in February. All riders will ride 2020 motorcycles! »
« Pit said that with four identical motorcycles, development could go faster. Engineers get more feedback and information. Four pilots can now contribute for further development. It's also easier for logistics if all the pilots have identical equipment. Because in 2019 four different types of engines were sometimes used » concludes on Speedweek the one who is also president of the IRTA, the association of teams.
In 2020, the team Tech3 will line up for the second consecutive year Miguel Oliveira and for the first time Iker Lecuona. He will also be engaged in Moto3. According to Speedweek, Tech3 will no longer advertise the Red Bull energy drink in the Moto3 and MotoGP classes, but for Red Bull Organics. These include Red Bull Cola, lemon, ginger and tonic. The final design is not yet finalized, it will only be presented shortly before the start of the season.
