New colors and new ambitions have revealed themselves for a Tech3 team which will once again approach this season as a KTM satellite team. A status that has lasted since last year after many seasons spent under the Yamaha sign. A change that boss Hervé Poncharal does not regret because the Austrians have an aggressive approach to competition, which corresponds well to the ideas of someone who likes to define himself as a Gaul. In 2020, he will have two RC16s technically identical to those of the factory team... During the general presentation of the Mattighofen firm which will begin its fourth MotoGP campaign, Hervé Poncharal insisted on certain values which are dear to him...
By espousing the cause of a factory KTM who still has a lot of work to do to claim victory in MotoGP, Hervé Poncharal knew he was making a long-term investment. Patience must therefore be required, but this does not go hand in hand with excessive caution. So, if the motorcycles are from another brand, the Frenchman's reputation as a hollow-nosed headhunter is still relevant: “ I really like working with young pilots » confides Hervé. “ I really like betting on young talents, even if people sometimes think it's too early. But life is about taking risks. In the racing circus, you take even bigger risks. If you don't risk anything, you won't be competitive. You have to take risks, you have to be innovative. You don't always have to stick to the status quo, take the easy route and open the doors. »
« This is something that speaks for KTM » rejoices the boss of Tech3 who cites his latest discovery as an example: Iker Lecuona : “ I told them: “Iker Lecuona signed with Aki Ajo, but I think he's the one I want on my second MotoGP for 2020. I think he can do it. I hope there are no problems internally, but help me.” I received the green light and I can't thank Aki, Mr. Pierer, Mike Leitner and Pit Beirer enough. After that we had to convince Iker because he was expecting to fight for the Moto2 title and he thought it might have been too early to move to MotoGP. I spent a few evenings with him and his manager and explained what I wanted to do, that it wasn't too early and what a great opportunity it was. »
« He chose him, KTM chose him, and that's why we signed Iker Lecuona. Of course, many people asked me: “Why Iker?” It's too early. » But I don't care what they say, it's my choice. That's why I have my own business so I can make decisions. »
« I'm really happy to have Iker alongside Miguel in the team " finished Hervé Poncharal on speedweek. " Miguel has a year of experience in MotoGP, he is intelligent, cool and hardworking. Iker is the hungry wolf, young and inexperienced, who has no fixed ideas, but simply wants to do well. We have a great team, and Iker's commitment is what I like about MotoGP: taking a gamble, not sticking to the status quo, not taking the easy route, but taking a risk. A calculated risk...» One last mention which is not insignificant…
