Tech3 is a myth, an institution. For over 30 years,
Hervé Poncharal and its men travel the world in search of results, but also and above all emotions. Tech3 is not a team like any other, it's more than that.
Dozens of pilots took turns on the machines supervised by Guy Coulon, a true wizard of modern times. However, from an outside eye, it is possible to see a logic in the choice of warriors who represent the team.
De Dominique Sarron à
Danilo Petrucci via Olivier Jacque et
Bradley Smith, all “check boxes” that we will list during this analysis. It should first be noted that the range of profiles is very wide, meaning that the common point between them all does not seem to be linked to extra-sporting factors, such as nationality and prize list.
Certainly, many French people have passed through the stable. John Zarco, Sylvain Guintoli et
Olivier Jacques, among others, made French fans happy. The latter are the personification of the Tech3 mentality: the “ MotoGP champagne ", if you prefer.
This tradition was also embraced by Hafizh Syahrin, Cal Crutchlow or,
Jonas Folger. At Tech3, everyone transcends themselves at the right time, just to deliver unforgettable emotion. Tech3 is the embodiment of French panache.
Jonas Folger, a true soldier. Photo: Michelin Motorsport
Certainly, there are undoubtedly more effective, statistically. But more beautiful is debatable. See Zarco push his machine a few meters from the finish line Misano in 2018 is the perfect example of this devotion, of this pride, embodied by ancient legends – the scene recalls the exploit of
Nigel Mansell, the lion of motor sports, in Dallas in 1984.
It's from another time, it's everything we love. Smith running injured, Crutchlow back up and against everyone, playing spoilsport in 2013. Miguel Oliveira delicately placed the icing on the cake this year, becoming the team's first winner in the premier category.
Of course, this is not a standard; pilots with more fundamental characters and actions, Andrea Dovizioso, in 2012, also passed through the team.
A scene from another time, which is worth more than a victory in the eyes of history. The gods of MotoGP will know how to reward the enormous hearts of the Tech3 army. One day or another.
Going to KTM was frankly daring, like everything else. A decision which, once again, paid off. Work is always right, it removes doubts. Work and rigor are two essential concepts at Tech3.
As proof: few drivers previously passed by the team subsequently fail. We will therefore have to be wary of Danilo Petrucci, who comes, let us remember, from depths of the MotoGP grid. His character and ability to adapt will be key in 2021.
The future looks more exciting than ever, so let's trust and support the team. This is important because similar organizations are rare these days.
Whether we like it or not Hervé Poncharal, whether we understand his choices or not, no one can denigrate the work accomplished over all these years. The team wears its colors high, but also the French sporting mentality, in line with the Sonauto – Yamaha and other programs
Peugeot Sport in endurance, your choice. So, yes, Tech3 has not won a plethora of Grands Prix, but they are, for us French, world champions of memories and emotion.
Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport
