Tech3 team principal Herve Poncharal has categorically refuted claims suggesting he has sold his MotoGP outfit to former Formula 1 boss Guenther Steiner. The veteran team owner labelled the swirling rumours as “absolute fake news,” firmly dismissing speculation of a high-profile acquisition that has been making headlines. The alleged deal, reportedly backed by American investment firm Apex and valued at over €20 million, was said to place Steiner at the helm of the KTM-supported squad.
In a statement to an Italian publication, Poncharal clarified that while discussions have indeed taken place, no formal agreement has been finalized. He emphasized the importance of transparency, reiterating that although talks are ongoing, the widespread reports suggesting a completed transaction are both misleading and premature. Poncharal expressed frustration with the media frenzy, stating that such misinformation distorts the narrative and undermines the current management structure.
Despite acknowledging that behind-the-scenes negotiations are underway, Poncharal remains at the helm of Tech3 and insists there will be no ownership changes until at least 2027. His leadership, in collaboration with KTM, remains steady as the team continues its current trajectory. The denial serves to quell growing curiosity around the outfit’s future and reinforces that, for now, continuity prevails over speculation.
Guenther Steiner, who rose to mainstream fame via the Drive to Survive Netflix series, has become a notable media figure since his departure from the Haas F1 team. His potential return to motorsport leadership has fueled intrigue, especially with Liberty Media’s acquisition of MotoGP prompting many to anticipate a cross-pollination of F1’s commercial strategies into the two-wheeled realm. Steiner’s name, thus, carries significant weight in any such transition.
The alleged Tech3 deal was perceived by some as a symbol of this broader commercial evolution. However, Poncharal’s emphatic denial reaffirms the current status quo, distancing the team from any imminent restructuring. While the door to future collaborations remains slightly ajar, the narrative that Tech3 has already changed hands is firmly debunked, at least for the foreseeable future.
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