Tech3 MotoGP team manager Nicolas Goyon has described the squad’s winter break as a “strange” period, following the transition to new ownership led by former Haas Formula 1 team principal Guenther Steiner.
The long-established French team was sold last year for €20 million by Herve Poncharal to a consortium headed by Steiner. Control of Tech3 officially changed hands at the start of this year, with Poncharal stepping aside after decades at the helm.
Goyon has remained in his position as team manager throughout the process and admits the transition period felt unusual. The official handover took place on 31 December, creating a brief limbo where the former management was no longer able to make decisions, while the new ownership had yet to formally begin operations.
Despite this, Goyon explained that the team managed the situation internally and continued to operate smoothly. The transition was helped by the fact that Tech3 retained the same bike, riders, sponsors and overall structure, allowing day-to-day racing operations to continue without disruption.
Since 1 January, Tech3 has begun building its working relationship with the new management group. Early discussions have focused on understanding how Steiner and his consortium operate, while the technical and sporting departments have continued as before, following established processes and preparation plans.
Goyon believes the impact of the ownership change is likely to become more visible once the season begins, particularly in areas such as marketing and communication. On the technical and sporting side, however, he expects continuity, with operations remaining largely unchanged from previous seasons.
