There’s major change brewing in the MotoGP paddock as Guenther Steiner, the much-loved ex-Haas F1 team boss, is about to step into the MotoGP world by finalizing a deal to buy the Tech3 team. The deal—worth just over €20 million—is being heavily funded by Apex, an investment firm representing well-known pro athletes like Lando Norris, plus a handful of other F1 drivers who prefer to stay in the background for now.
Tech3, which started racing in MotoGP’s premier class in 2001 and is currently a KTM satellite team, looks set to keep its current staff, French headquarters, and riders during the transition. Current team boss Hervé Poncharal will hand over the reins gradually, mentoring Steiner while he settles into MotoGP. Steiner’s reputation for charisma and fan engagement (boosted by his fame from “Drive to Survive”) is expected to be a magnet for sponsors and a broader fan base.
But behind the business headlines, the state of Tech3’s relationship with KTM is key. Tech3’s current deal with KTM—underpinned by factory support and competitive bikes—runs through the end of the 2026 MotoGP season. Both parties are open about wanting to keep their partnership alive beyond that. Poncharal says his priority is to extend the Tech3-KTM bond into the 2027–2031 era, reiterating that he’s not negotiating with other bike manufacturers. However, he’s candid about the need for a “Plan B” should KTM’s post-2026 commitment waver, as the Austrian brand recently navigated significant financial struggles—only stabilized after a huge cash injection by Bajaj.
KTM management and Poncharal are awaiting discussions to prepare a new five-year deal for 2027 onward, ideally keeping Tech3 as a KTM-aligned, but perhaps separately branded, team. The entire MotoGP paddock faces major regulation changes in 2027, so ensuring a stable future is a hot topic for every satellite outfit. This is also where we will see involvement from Bajaj.
In the bigger picture, this shifting landscape closely follows Liberty Media’s takeover of Dorna and a growing cross-pollination between F1 and MotoGP. There’s been a surge of interest from investors (and F1 personalities like Lewis Hamilton), sparking rumors, bids, and potential team ownership shakeups throughout the MotoGP field.
Tech3 is gearing up for a new era—backed by star power, a stable staff, and a possibly evolving but dedicated KTM partnership. The goal is to secure the team’s place on the grid well into the next decade, with all eyes on how the Steiner–Poncharal transition and 2027 contract talks unfold.
