With this news, coming from General Poncharal of the Tech3 troops, the MotoGP of tomorrow is already taking shape during a winter break where new contracts between the teams, the manufacturers and the promoter Dorna are being signed. All the known protagonists are in the running to extend the adventure until 2026 and this is fortunate in an economic and social environment which is bearing the brunt of the impact of the health crisis. Lately, Gresini had announced its new five-year lease, but with the feeling that there would no longer be an Aprilia in its box. A new project which is not Hervé Poncharal's concern. The Frenchman is indeed more than happy to be part of the KTM family…
Hervé Poncharal is a happy boss. This 2020 season has indeed allowed him to celebrate victory on two occasions in MotoGP thanks to its pilot Miguel Oliveira. He is also a fulfilled man because his agreement with KTM goes beyond the sporting project. Listening to it, it’s also a great human adventure. The French boss declares: “ I finally found a family with KTM. And no one wants to leave his family when he feels happy in the company of his family members. And that's the case with me ».
Strong words which are also sincere actions on the sidelines: “ KTM boss Stefan Pierer was half a meter from me in the Portimão pits when Miguel Oliveira crossed the finish line as winner. He hugged me and had tears in his eyes ". And it's the same Pierre who, on the corner of a table during the closing ceremony of the season, drew the outlines of the rest of the project: “ I sat next to Stefan Pierer at a dinner in Portugal on Saturday. At one point he told me: “We have to prepare for the new MotoGP contract.” I said, “Of course, Stefan.” Stefan then said: “What do you think about a long-term contract?” Then I replied: “Stefan, I am not against a long-term contract. Five years would be great. I'm ready for this. He looked satisfied then turned to Pit Beirer: “Did you hear that? Let's prepare a five-year contract "".
Poncharal: “I want to end my professional life with KTM”
« I was emotionally shocked, in a good way, when I heard that. Of course, a contract must now be negotiated. A legal basis for this alliance must be found. This is normal, this will happen too. But basically, verbal acceptance is enough for me. When Stefan Pierer tells me we're going to do it, then I know it will happen. This is the wish of Stefan Pierer, Hubert Trunkenpolz, Pit Beirer and everyone involved ».
« A five-year contract like that would be wonderful for me! Because I want to end my professional life with KTM ", revealed the famous team owner Tech3 on speedweek. " I've been looking for a partner like this all my life. That's why I don't want to miss this opportunity ».
Hervé Poncharal can therefore already project: “ Tech3 will participate in the MotoGP World Championship at least until the end of the 2026 season. We have already signed, like Gresini. I am very proud that we have reached this agreement ».
The one who also has responsibilities within the association IRTA who represents the teams, don't forget the promoter Dorna which took the brunt of the financial storm suffered by the stables during a confinement undermining their core business: “ I am very, very grateful to Carmelo Ezpeleta. I have already mentioned it several times, but I like to repeat it: the way he managed the 2020 season and how he supported the factories and teams financially during this difficult season is fantastic. When we look into the real world, that is, step out of our “bubble”, we see that we can consider ourselves lucky. Because there are many sectors and branches of industry that suffered much more in 2020 than us. It's clear ". And few are able to project themselves with a development plan for the coming years as a MotoGP which aims in the short term to 22 Grand Prix on the calendar…
