Bezzecchi, Oettl to form Tech3 KTM Moto2 line-up
Tech3 will have an all-new, all-rookie Moto2 line-up in 2019, signing Moto3 title leader Marco Bezzecchi and fellow race winner Phillip Oettl to steer their new KTM chassis for the start of the Triumph era.
The pair replace Remy Gardner and Bo Bendsneyder, as the French team also retires its own Mistral chassis, which won a race during the inaugural 2010 Moto2 season and took its most recent podium with Xavi Vierge in 2017.
Team boss Herve Poncharal announced the news at the Red Bull Ring during the Austria MotoGP race weekend - home round of KTM - and is thrilled with his 2019 Moto2 rider line-up.
"Oettl is a good, young and fast rider," Poncharal said. "I've known his father also. I like their way of working and Philipp's approach to life.
"We like to be a bit different and I believe we can surprise some people. Oettl and Bezzecchi will be a strong line-up."
“I am very happy about this opportunity," Bezzecchi said following the announcement. "Going to the Moto2 class was my goal and doing it with a team like Tech3 is really important. I have to thank all my Team Prüstel Moto3 for all support they have done for me over this year.
"I will try to do my best in this second part of the season to achieve the best results at each race. I also thank the VR46 Riders Academy for helping me on this journey. Now I want to think only about finishing this season in the best way. I am focused and determined. This news will be an additional motivation to reach my goal."
"I’m very happy to graduate together with Tech3 and KTM to Moto2, plus I’m grateful to make this step together with the KTM family," Oettl said. "I’m very sure, I’ll have the best possible material and the ideal surroundings in order to have a great start in the intermediate category. I already can’t wait for this challenge in 2019."
Gardner has been at Tech3 since the start of 2017, with Bendsneyder joining the team this season.
Tech3 will also run KTM machinery in MotoGP next season, with Hafizh Syahrin and Miguel Oliveira.
Peter has been in the paddock for 20 years and has seen Valentino Rossi come and go. He is at the forefront of the Suzuki exit story and Marc Marquez’s injury issues.
