Tech3: Three-year deal with factory machines

Tech 3 boss Herve Poncharal has made his first public comments since the news that the French team will end its 20-year association with Yamaha and switch to another manufacturer for the 2019 MotoGP season.

And, as predicted, that manufacturer is sure to be KTM, with Tech3 also getting the very latest machinery.

However we now also know the initial agreement will be for three years and that a lack of 2018-spec M1s for star rider Johann Zarco was a significant factor in the team's decision.

Speaking via telephone on MotoGP.com's After The Flag show, Poncharal said:

"In the last two grands prix of last year Johann [Zarco] was on the podium in the wet, Malaysia, and dry, Valencia. Almost a win in Valencia.

"Everybody was expecting a something a bit special from Yamaha to support Johann [in 2018], like HRC is doing with Cal and Ducati with Danilo Petrucci. It didn't come.

"We've proved tonight in Doha that the support we have from Yamaha is incredible and good enough to be on top of the timesheets. But anyway as a satellite operation, you always want a bit more. You always want to be a bit closer to the factory guys.

"Sure the new technical rules have helped all the satellite operations to be closer to the top. But you always want to have that last bit.

"Also, 20-years is a long time. We have had great memories, great results, we won the 250cc world championship in 2000 with Olivier Jacque. Last season, 2017, with Johann, we did something I think very, very strong. Especially with a rookie in the MotoGP class.

"But at some stage, like all racers - you saw last year Lorenzo switching from Yamaha to Ducati. Valentino even tried a different brand, Ducati - it's always good to see what could could we do there?

"In your career, your life, you can feel too comfortable and sometimes it's good to have a fresh challenge. I don't want to say we were asleep, but something that wakes you up and makes you feel ten years younger.

"I think when you meet people who can pass you that energy, that passion and that desire to work with you and to work for the best - this is something I wanted to try. I shared that with my staff. I was a bit scared they were going to say they did not agree with me, but I was really happy that everybody told me 'let's go'."

 Although the KTM deal is still to be officially announced, it was all but confirmed by Poncharal, whose team gets year-old machines from Yamaha.

"What I can tell you - the announcement will be coming very, very soon - is we will have a three-year deal. 2019, 2020 and 2021. And each single year we will have the latest spec [bikes].

"So for each of those years there will be four bikes on the grid with exactly the same spec, the factory team and the Tech3 team.

"That is something you always look for and always want. Even though we have a good bike, like Johann Zarco has now, that is the evolution for the whole year. And when you reach a certain level you want something that is tailormade and for this you need a factory behind you.

"So we will have that.

"Also I think we always tried to be the 'official' Yamaha Junior team but it was never really the case. That will be the case where we are going."

And if there was any remaining doubt over the identity of Tech3's future partner: "The manufacturer is involved in Moto3, Moto2 and MotoGP.

"So there will be a clear path for having young riders through the Moto3, going to the intermediate class Moto2 and then eventually go to the MotoGP class with a Junior Team and then if they are good enough the factory team.

"This is like being part of the family and you know how much family means to me.

"So it's exciting and even though that bike could be right now a bit 'under' the bike we have now, there is room for improvement, there is room for development, there is room to share ideas on how to make the whole package better.

"To be part of that project, have an input and have people listen to us and all together trying to grow - this is exactly what I was looking for."

Tech3 (like KTM) is yet to announce any riders for 2019, with Johann Zarco - fastest at the final pre-season test - sure to be a target for factory teams.

Or could the new factory Tech3 deal be enough to keep Zarco onboard?

"I always said, since the 2017 ended, if Johann doesn't get a full factory package and ride I think there is something wrong in our world. Because he clearly deserves, and this is the last thing he needs to be able to eventually fight for the world championship in MotoGP.

"Clearly that will not be happening inside Yamaha. I think was his secret dream that maybe Maverick decides to go somewhere else or Valentino maybe decides to stop early. But anyway Maverick and Valentino, even if Valentino is to be announced, this is not a real secret I think that he will stay.

"So there is no room for him in the factory Yamaha team. He's looking at all the options."

And Poncharal feels it is a possibility that Zarco may yet decide to stay.

"He knows where we are going [next year], I think he's also excited about the challenge and this is not to sound pretentious but we have an incredible relationship and he knows how important it is to have Guy [Coulon] his crew chief and Alex his data guy.

"These two guys plus the mechanics of course are essential, because to have a good bike is very important. Of course you need to be a very good rider, but the crew around you in terms of giving you the right setting and confidence in terms of understanding what you need in terms of technical support but also human support. This is very important.

"Right now Johann Zarco and his manager are going to look at all the options, but that would be a dream to have him with us. I would say it's not impossible, the ball is in his court, and it is definitely a possibility that I would love to see happen.

"But I'll wait for him to go to the market, check the offers he can get and decide."

Rookie Hafizh Syahrin will be Zarco's team-mate in 2018.

It is also thought that Tech3 will switch its Moto2 team to KTM machinery, for the new era of Triumph engines.