- Günther Steiner to take over KTM Tech3 as CEO for the 2026 season
- Investor group with IKON Capital, Bolt Ventures, and Main Street Advisors
- Pierre Gasly becomes co-owner and remains active Formula 1 driver
After months of speculation, the change of ownership at the MotoGP team KTM Tech3 has been officially completed. On Friday, the racing team confirmed its complete takeover by an investor group led by Günther Steiner. The long-time Formula 1 team boss will take over as CEO of the team from the 2026 season, succeeding founder Hervé Poncharal, who built and shaped Tech3 over decades.
Günther Steiner takes over Tech3 for the 2026 season
The takeover was announced last fall and has now been formally completed. The team confirmed that the acquisition by the investor group has been completed. In addition to Steiner, IKON Capital, Bolt Ventures, and Main Street Advisors are also involved. The new owners’ goal is to secure the team’s existing foundation while enabling controlled further development.
Günther Steiner commented:
“It’s a very exciting time to enter MotoGP, and it was important for IKON Capital and me to bring together a group of like-minded investors who share our long-term vision for the Tech3 team. We are committed to preserving Tech3’s heritage while pursuing a measured, strategic approach to growth. We want to build on what already works, and I look forward to shaping the future of the team.”
Investor structure with an international focus
In addition to the three central companies, the investor group includes other private and institutional investors. Among those named were Trail Slam, Alk Capital, Barry English, Tom Stafford, Charles de Carvalho, and Richard Cook. Particular emphasis is placed on the participation of Bolt Ventures, backed by David Blitzer. He is considered one of North America’s most influential sports investors and holds stakes in organizations from all five major US professional sports leagues.
According to those involved, the new ownership structure will not only bring financial stability, but also expertise in the areas of media rights, fan engagement, and international marketing. Against the backdrop of Liberty Media’s takeover of the Motorcycle World Championship, investors apparently see additional growth opportunities, particularly in North America and Asia.
Carlos Ezpeleta, Chief Sporting Officer of MotoGP, commented on the deal:
“The acquisition of a team by an investor group of this magnitude is a strong endorsement of MotoGP and the championship’s global growth trajectory.”
Pierre Gasly joins as co-owner
The confirmation of another name on the list of shareholders attracted particular attention. Pierre Gasly is the first active Formula 1 driver to take a direct stake in a MotoGP team. The Frenchman will continue to drive for Alpine F1 Team in the premier class of motorsport and will also take on a role as co-owner at KTM Tech3.
This makes Gasly the first current Formula 1 driver to become financially involved in MotoGP. In the past, there have been repeated rumors about other drivers potentially joining. Lewis Hamilton in particular has been linked to various MotoGP teams on several occasions, but no actual commitment has ever materialized. Fernando Alonso is also said to have recently expressed interest in investing in the premier class of motorcycle racing.
Gasly’s role remains unclear for now
It is not yet known what operational role Pierre Gasly will take on within the team. As things stand, it is an investment without any sporting or management-related tasks in day-to-day business. However, Gasly is likely to follow MotoGP with much greater personal interest in the future, while his sporting focus remains on Formula 1.
Tech3 enters a new chapter
The arrival of the investor group marks the end of an era for Tech3, but also the beginning of a new chapter with an international focus. The new owners have emphasized that the team’s existing heritage will be preserved. Changes will be implemented gradually and will build on existing structures.
It remains to be seen how the new management structure will affect the team’s sporting development in the long term. What is certain, however, is that the arrival of prominent names from Formula 1 is likely to further increase attention on Tech3 and MotoGP as a whole.
What does this mean for me as a MotoGP fan?
For MotoGP fans, the entry of new investors means above all additional stability and long-term planning security for an established team. The involvement of investors with experience in international professional sports should help Tech3 remain economically sound and secure its role in the paddock. No radical sporting changes are to be expected in the short term, as the new owners have expressly emphasized their intention to build on existing structures. In the medium and long term, however, stronger international networking could lead to greater media presence, new markets, and possibly also to greater appeal for MotoGP as a whole, without changing the sporting core of the series.
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