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In a strategic move marking his return to top-tier motorsport management, Guenther Steiner, previously at the helm of the Haas Formula 1 team, has orchestrated a significant acquisition in the MotoGP arena. This past Friday, the racing world learned of Steiner's successful bid, leading an investment group, to take over Tech3, the satellite team aligned with KTM. The deal, reportedly nearing €20 million, positions Steiner as the Chief Executive Officer of Tech3 starting in 2026, with his business associate, Richard Coleman, stepping into the role of Team Principal. This leadership transition heralds a new chapter for Tech3, promising to build upon its rich history and secure its future trajectory within the competitive MotoGP landscape.

Steiner's venture into MotoGP follows his departure from Haas at the close of the 2023 season. He revealed that the inspiration for this bold step emerged after attending the United States Grand Prix in Austin in April 2024. Subsequent discussions with Hervé Poncharal, the long-standing owner of Tech3, evolved throughout 2025, culminating in the agreement. Poncharal expressed his confidence in Steiner's vision and leadership, affirming that Steiner was the ideal successor to carry forward the team's legacy. The transaction received official endorsement from Dorna, the commercial rights holder of MotoGP, and was formally announced in Barcelona. Both Steiner and Coleman intend to leverage Poncharal's extensive experience as they integrate into the paddock, aiming to uphold the team's established successful operations rather than enacting immediate radical changes. Steiner likened this new challenge to his 2006 experience of establishing Red Bull’s Cup Series operation in NASCAR, emphasizing a learning-first approach.

The leadership of MotoGP, represented by Carmelo and Carlos Ezpeleta, conveyed a clear message to Steiner: to ensure the continued success and growth of the sport. Steiner humorously recounted their direct admonition to not 'mess it up', underscoring the trust placed in him and his team to advance MotoGP's burgeoning popularity. While the entry of Liberty Media into MotoGP sparked heightened interest from various parties, Steiner clarified that his decision to acquire Tech3 was independently driven by his personal ambitions and passion for the sport, rather than being influenced by external corporate interest. The collective commitment of Steiner and Coleman is to build upon Tech3's strong foundation, ensuring its enduring contribution to the vibrant and expanding world of MotoGP.

The transition of leadership in a high-stakes competitive environment like MotoGP underscores the dynamic nature of top-tier sports, where experience and vision converge to drive future success. Guenther Steiner's journey from Formula 1 to MotoGP, marked by a thoughtful and deliberate acquisition, exemplifies the spirit of relentless pursuit of excellence and expansion. This new leadership promises innovation while respecting the rich legacy of Tech3, demonstrating that strategic foresight combined with a deep understanding of the sport's core values can lead to a positive evolution. It reminds us that progress in any field is often born from the courage to embrace new challenges, and the willingness to learn from and build upon the foundations laid by those who came before. Such endeavors contribute not just to the success of an individual entity, but to the broader flourishing of the community and industry they belong to.

Guenther Steiner, previously the team principal for Haas in Formula 1, has successfully completed the acquisition of the Tech3 MotoGP team. This significant development was announced at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on the eve of the Catalan Grand Prix, confirming earlier reports of Steiner's interest in the team.

Steiner will assume the role of CEO, leading the team from 2026, while his business associate, Richard Coleman, will step in as the new team principal. This transition marks Steiner's return to a leading position in motorsport since his departure from Haas. The team's current riders, Maverick Vinales and Enea Bastianini, will remain, as will all existing personnel and the team's base in France. The deal, valued at nearly €20 million, was facilitated by IKON Capital, an investment and advisory firm.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the new venture, Steiner remarked on the immense potential and rich history of Tech3. He acknowledged Herve Poncharal's invaluable contributions to both the team and MotoGP and emphasized their commitment to building upon that legacy. Steiner also highlighted their excitement about re-engaging with the MotoGP paddock and expanding the sport's reach to a broader audience.

Tech3's history in the premier class of motorcycle racing dates back to 2001, initially competing with Yamaha machinery before forming a partnership with KTM in 2019, serving as their sole satellite team. A key aspect of the acquisition agreement is the assurance from Dorna regarding Tech3's continued presence on the grid beyond next year, especially as MotoGP prepares for new 850cc engine regulations in 2027.

Herve Poncharal, the outgoing owner, reflected on the changing dynamics, describing it as the conclusion of one chapter and the dawn of another. He expressed pride in Tech3's achievements, including numerous victories and podium finishes, and conveyed confidence in Steiner's leadership, anticipating his strategic vision, drive, and the retention of the team's inherent 'rock'n'roll' spirit.

This acquisition coincides with Liberty Media's recent majority stake purchase in Dorna Sports, MotoGP's promoter. The move mirrors the escalating valuations seen in F1 teams under Liberty Media's influence, exemplified by McLaren Racing's recent valuation of £3 billion. Steiner's illustrious career in motorsport includes roles in rallying and Formula 1, notably leading Red Bull's NASCAR entry and establishing the US-based F1 team known as Haas. His distinctive management style, popularized by the Netflix series 'Drive to Survive', cemented his public profile. After a period focusing on media work, his return to team management with Tech3 is keenly anticipated within the racing community.