Steiner finalising purchase of Tech3 MotoGP team

Former Haas Formula 1 team principal Guenther Steiner is finalising the purchase of the Tech3 MotoGP team, Autosport has learned.

Sources close to both parties estimate the deal, involving the structure founded in 1990 by Herve Poncharal and Guy Coulon, at just over €20million.

Tech3 made its debut in the premier class in 2001 after winning the 250cc world championship with Olivier Jacque.

This marks the first major move since F1’s owners Liberty Media completed its €4.3billion acquisition of Dorna, the MotoGP promoter.

More moves are expected to see F1 and MotoGP intertwine, with Lewis Hamilton stating last year that he was exploring ways to acquire two MotoGP grid slots.

Steiner became one of the most charismatic figures in F1 during his time as Haas team principal, until the Italian engineer - who has been spotted at several MotoGP events over the past two years - was replaced as Haas boss at the start of 2024 after Gene Haas decided not to renew his contract and appointed Ayao Komatsu into the role.

Hervé Poncharal. Team principal KTM Tech 3

Photo by: KTM Images

Steiner isn’t alone in the venture, as Autosport understands that the majority of funding comes from Apex, a company that manages investments for around 100 professional athletes including Lando Norris. It is understood other high-profile F1 drivers have also invested in Apex, though they prefer to remain anonymous. One of Apex’s most notable moves was its involvement in acquiring a 20% stake in the Alpine F1 team.

Poncharal has long admitted to being in talks with various parties interested in acquiring Tech3, specifically mentioning Steiner on several occasions, and he stated at the Aragon GP: “There’s a name circulating in the media: Guenther Steiner. Yes, we’ve spoken with him - he’s very kind and direct, and I really like that. He has a lot of experience in motorsport.

“He could come on board as an investor, a partner, a minority shareholder, helping with sponsorship.”

Regarding the operational and logistical side, Autosport understands there’s a commitment to retain the Tech3 staff, as well as its riders and headquarters in France. As for Poncharal’s role, it’s likely that he will gradually hand over the reins to Steiner so that the former Haas boss can become familiar with running a MotoGP team.

Steiner’s experience, charisma, and fanbase - boosted by his portrayal in Drive to Survive – is expected to help attract new audiences, while the acquisition comes at a time of uncertainty for KTM’s future in the championship.

The Austrian manufacturer, which supplies the prototypes currently ridden by Maverick Vinales and Enea Bastianini at Tech3, recently emerged from a turbulent financial period thanks to the intervention of Bajaj. The Indian brand took control of KTM a few months ago after investing around €800m.

Both Vinales and Bastianini are directly contracted to KTM, so the sale should not affect them, while KTM has reaffirmed its commitment to MotoGP until 2026, meaning the new ownership will have access to the RC16 bikes next season as well.

All current team contracts with Dorna expire in 2026, so 2027 will be the point when satellite teams can renegotiate deals or change suppliers.

The deal also comes at a time when the perception of MotoGP has shifted significantly since Liberty Media announced its intention to take control.

All satellite teams have received offers from corporations, investment funds or wealthy individuals to acquire full or partial control.

One deal nearly finalised last year was the sale of Gresini to Andrew Fox, owner of logistics giant Linfox and of the Phillip Island circuit. Despite promising negotiations, Nadia Padovani - widow of team founder Fausto Gresini - ultimately chose not to sell.