The MotoGP paddock experienced a rare and emotional moment this Friday afternoon in Barcelona. KTM Tech3 had called the press for an announcement: Hervé Poncharal, a historic figure in the championship and boss of the French team for 35 years, has formalized the sale of his team to Guenther Steiner and Richard Coleman, effective January 1, 2026.
Along with Carlos Ezpeleta and Steiner, Poncharal delivered a heartfelt speech, his voice breaking with emotion:
« I've been thinking for a long time, for quite a while, the day I give a new direction to my life. As Carlos said, it is undoubtedly a very emotional moment, because when you are in MotoGP, we saw it in his guts. MotoGP is his life, and the rest is just details. We don't turn this chapter like that... it's a very strong addiction »
The Frenchman was keen to recall the family spirit that reigns in the paddock:
« Even if we sometimes complain – there are too many races, this, that – we love it, we live it. And that's where we have that sense of belonging. This morning, when I arrived here, everyone hugged me, we all said hello, and that's my family. »
Comparing his team to his own child, Poncharal explained his choice to pass the baton:
« It's like when you have a healthy child, you want them to continue to live, grow and succeed.At some point, you have to pass the baton. So I thought about how to do it, who to do it to, and we met with a few people. »
Hervé Poncharal: “ Steiner? At first, I was a little scared, because when you see him, you think, 'He looks like he's going to hit you there.' »
Poncharal recounted his first impression of Guenther Steiner, tinged with mistrust:
« At first, I was a little scared, because when you see him, you think, 'He looks like he's going to hit you there.' So I was scared, a little intimidated. But honestly, I found him very human. The kind of person who listens to your desires, who is interested in you, who cares about what you have done and who you are. We are not exactly made of the same wood, but we have a lot in common »
It was this human proximity that carried the decision: “ That's why I decided to sign a protocol with Guenther, and we decided that I would run the company until the end of 2025, and that from January 1, 2026, everything would be in the hands of Guenther and Richard »
Poncharal will remain in the shadows, in support: " If they need me, I will be there, but I also want to reaffirm to everyone our employees, partners and pilots that everything is secure. 2026 will unfold as if I were there »
In a moment of great emotion, Poncharal wanted to thank one man in particular:
« First of all, I want to thank someone who has been very important to the MotoGP paddock. And even more so to me. He is a friend, a mentor, the person from whom I have learned the most and with whom I like to share both pleasant and serious moments. And this person is Mr. Carmelo Ezpeleta »
And to add: " Tech3 wouldn't be what it is today without Carmelo Ezpeleta. The MotoGP paddock wouldn't be what it is today without Carmelo Ezpeleta. I have goosebumps. I'll stop here so I don't cry. »
This transfer of power marks the end of an era. Hervé Poncharal, "addicted to MotoGP", leaves his "child" in the hands of Steiner, a charismatic figure in F1, now ready to write a new page in the history of Tech3 and MotoGP.
