Guenther Steiner Officially Acquires Tech3 MotoGP Team in €20 Million Deal
A new era for the Tech3 MotoGP team begins this Friday with the official announcement of its acquisition by former Haas Formula 1 team principal Guenther Steiner and a consortium of investors. The deal, first reported by Motorsport.com last month, was finalized before the summer break, paving the way for Steiner’s highly anticipated entry into the world of motorcycle racing.
The formal announcement will take place at an extraordinary press conference scheduled for noon on Friday during the Catalan Grand Prix. Steiner is expected to be present as he takes the helm of Tech3, backed by a group of investors with significant financial backing, many originating from the United States.
The transaction is valued at just under €20 million and was facilitated by Apex, a fund specializing in managing capital from a diverse portfolio of high-profile athletes. While Lando Norris, the McLaren F1 driver, has been identified as one of the investors, several other prominent figures – including current Formula 1 drivers – have opted to remain anonymous. Apex previously demonstrated its investment prowess with a 20% stake acquisition in the Alpine F1 team.
All stakeholders have expressed enthusiasm for the change in ownership. KTM will continue to supply bikes to the team through at least the end of 2026, ensuring continuity on the track. Furthermore, Dorna, MotoGP’s promoter, and Liberty Media, its new majority shareholder, have both welcomed the transition.
The current agreements between teams and Dorna are set to expire in 2027, opening the door for satellite teams to renegotiate or potentially switch manufacturers. Sources indicate Steiner has already secured assurances from Dorna regarding the retention of Tech3’s two grid slots beyond the 2027 season.
Under the new ownership, the rider lineup of Maverick Viñales and Enea Bastianini will remain intact, alongside the team’s existing staff. Tech3’s headquarters will also remain in France, preserving a key element of the team’s identity.
The announcement comes after Tech3 co-founder and former owner Herve Poncharal publicly denied reaching an agreement just weeks ago. However, the finalization of the deal underscores a common sentiment within motorsport: that business considerations often take precedence. According to reports, Poncharal will gradually transfer responsibilities to Steiner, allowing the Italian engineer time to acclimate to the nuances of MotoGP after his years in Formula 1.
Dorna and Liberty Media are optimistic that Steiner’s charismatic personality and established influence will contribute to MotoGP’s continued global expansion. Steiner, known for his candid and engaging demeanor, has already been observed in the Barcelona paddock on Thursday, demonstrating his immediate immersion in the sport.
The acquisition marks a significant shift for Tech3 and signals a new chapter in MotoGP, fueled by fresh investment and the leadership of a well-known figure from the world of Formula 1.
