Yamaha has problems. After some tests in Thailand where his performance has been far below what was expected, they lose one of his most loyal partners. After this season, the French team Tech 3 will no longer mount the Yamaha engines. A decision they tried to avoid when Team Manager Hervé Poncharal told them his intentions.
Yamaha point out that Tech 3 already has signed a contract with another supplier: “After a debate with Hervé Poncharal, it was clear that he has chosen to join another partner for the future. Therefore, unfortunately, we must respect and accept their decision. The end of a relationship like this is always a bit sad. We are grateful for Hervé’s loyalty and support regarding Yamaha and for the excellent results obtained during this time. We will continue to offer our support to Tech3 during the 2018 season, while we evaluate our options for an alternative team in the MotoGP World Championship for 2019“, said Yamaha development division director general Kouichi Tsuji.
From the French team, they have not wanted to confirm their future plans although it has made it clear that they have an irrevocable offer on the table: “Tech3 is a small company, which has to think about the future and evaluate different options. They have offered us a deal that includes something that we have been waiting for since we started with Tech3. I could not say no, but obviously we are Monster Yamaha Team until the last race of 2018. Johann Zarco and Hafizh Syahrin will fight for first positions, Yamaha can count on us until the last race. I hope that Yamaha can follow its road and find a partner to replace Tech3″, said Hervé Poncharal.
The team of Johann Zarco and Hafizh Syahrin could join Suzuki or KTM, which have already shown their intention to make available two more prototypes on track. For this 2018, Ducati dominates with 8 motorbikes on track, 6 Honda, 4 Yamaha and Suzuki, KTM and Aprillia two each.