Like the rest of his colleagues in the MotoGP paddock, Hervé Poncharal is taking advantage of this winter break to recharge his batteries. His Tech3 troops are also enjoying a well-deserved rest after this 2019 season which was the first in ages without Yamaha. But with a colorful new partner in KTM. A year of discovery and intensity which will remain positive even if the results have remained modest. However, good indications were given which motivated the organization for 2020, and in particular with regard to the pilot family. Good foundations on which the French boss is eager to build his next adventure.
Hervé Poncharal is inhabited by the eternal youth that comes from a constant passion for his profession. Precisely, it is this youth which also served as a common thread for the orange tunics during the recruitment of pilots. More than the CV, it was the determination to get involved in the project and the related open-mindedness that were the essential elements. Hence the confirmation of Miguel Oliveira and the arrivals of Brad Binder like D'Iker Lecuona. Pure products KTM.
Hervé Poncharal explain : " we have a strong group of drivers. Pol Espargaró is the perfect KTM man forever. Brad Binder will be alongside him on the factory team. He is entering his seventh season with KTM. For me in the Tech3 team, Miguel Oliveira has ridden with KTM almost all his life and in all three championship disciplines. Iker Lecuona also had his best years in Moto2 with KTM. Our four MotoGP riders know and love tubular steel frames »
« Binder and Lecuona are both MotoGP rookies at KTM, but they approach this task with an open mind. They come to this class with no experience, they are completely positive. When Iker initially signed for Aki Ajo for the Moto2 World Championship, he was initially somewhat disappointed as he would have liked to continue riding KTM. Most other drivers would have said, "Oh, I'm getting a Kalex now, it's the benchmark, I'm happy." All current KTM MotoGP riders believe in this project. Its very important ", said Poncharal.
Happy Holidays 🎄🥳# Tech3 #HappyHolidays #Christmas #KTM #MotoGP # Moto3 #MotoE @OfficialMinis @MotoGP pic.twitter.com/OiGWLS0jrO
- Tech3 Racing (@ Tech3Racing) December 20, 2019
« During the tests in Valencia and Jerez in November, I spoke a lot with Iker Lecuona and several times with Brad Binder and watched them closely. They shine with enthusiasm ", said Poncharal. I'm very confident about our lineup. Because Pol Espargaró is the leader. Miguel will also be very strong with Tech3-KTM. Because he is very angry about what happened in 2019. His operated shoulder is progressing very well. The latest medical checks were very promising. And I'm sure we'll have a lot of fun with rookies Binder and Lecuona too. »
A young card which, according to Hervé Poncharal, will have as much effect at KTM in 2020 as at Yamaha and Suzuki, or even Ducati in 2019. He explains on Speedweek: “ Fabio Quartararo pushed, then all the other Yamaha riders had to admit: our bike is not too bad. Ducati is the same. Jack Miller is the youngest of the three factory drivers there and he puts the factory team under a lot of pressure. I think that with Oliveira and Lecuona we can offer similar surprises in 2020. Because young drivers have put themselves in the spotlight with all the manufacturers. Suzuki even brought two young riders to the factory team. »
KTM will attack its fourth season in MotoGP with an RC16 with a modified frame without however rejecting its origins. Behind the scenes, Dani Pedrosa brings its experience and know-how. In 2019, the final top 10 was narrowly missed by an impeccable Pol Espargaró. In 2020, a few regular top 5s are hoped for by the Mattighofen firm.
