It is official what was rumored weeks since the announcement of Tech 3 not to renew with Yamaha. After Tech 3 announced a few days ago that it was not going to renew its contract with Yamaha, KTM confirms that it joins forces with the French team starting in 2019. The French team led by Hervé Poncharal, joins the Austrian brand for the next three seasons, from 2019 to 2021.
The team director of Teh 3, Hervé Poncharal, confirmed the day of his separation with Yamaha, that the reason was an offer on the table that they could not refuse. KTM joins Tech 3 and increases its number of bikes on the track, which will become four in just two years in MotoGP.
Pit Beirer, director of operations of KTM, analyzed the movement of the Austrian brand: “We are very happy to join forces with Tech 3 in MotoGP from 2019. The team has many years of experience and achieved a lot of great results in this championship. Their professional structure will make us even stronger”, says Pit Beirer.
He also sees very positively the increase of bikes that will be on track: “Having four KTM RC16 on the grid is also another big step for us, both for the development of our MotoGP bike and expanding KTM’s structure in the paddock. From the Red Bull Rookies Cup up to MotoGP there is a clear path to the top. We are looking forward to start a great cooperation and I’m thankful towards Hervé Poncharal for the future trust in KTM”, said the director of operations of KTM.
Tech 3 will remain tied to Yamaha until December 31, when the current contract with the Japanese brand expires. The performance of his current bike is being better than expected and Johann Zarco has surprised in the tests of Qatar taking the best time of the three days. Márquez and Dovizioso already consider him a rival for the championship.