Guenther Steiner Makes Tech3 MotoGP Debut as Rookie CEO

MotoGP, Sportrik Media - Guenther Steiner made his first public appearance as owner and CEO of Tech3 MotoGP Team on Saturday at the official 2026 MotoGP season launch in Malaysia, admitting he felt like a “rookie” as he begins a new chapter in motorcycle racing.

The former Haas Formula 1 team principal led a consortium that acquired Tech3 from Herve Poncharal last summer in a deal valued at around €20 million. The takeover was formally completed last week, with several new investors revealed, including Formula 1 driver Pierre Gasly.

The acquisition marked the first major indication of Liberty Media’s influence on MotoGP, as the championship’s commercial rights holder seeks to make the series more attractive to external investment. Steiner officially assumed his role as Tech3 CEO at the start of the year and appeared in team colours for the first time during the season launch event in Kuala Lumpur.

“It’s fantastic that all of these people came out to support MotoGP,” Steiner said.
“I’m just finding my way, but it’s very exciting.”

Despite decades of experience in top-level motorsport, Steiner acknowledged he is entering unfamiliar territory and embracing the learning process that comes with it.

“I’m an old guy, so learning something new is pretty cool,” he added.
“Normally I give the rookies a hard time. Now the guys will give me a hard time.”

“I try to learn quickly and stay humble,” Steiner continued.
“I know I’m the rookie. Being a rookie at 60 years old is pretty nice. I feel young again.”

From a sporting perspective, the change in ownership will not bring any fundamental alterations to Tech3’s racing operations in 2026. The KTM satellite team will retain its rider line-up of Enea Bastianini and Maverick Vinales, while continuing to run full factory KTM machinery.

Tech3 team manager Nicolas Goyon previously described the winter transition as “strange” for the squad, as it adjusted to a new ownership structure alongside its ongoing competitive programme.

With Steiner acting as CEO, Tech3’s management structure will evolve further. Richard Coleman is set to take on the role of team principal in 2026, while Goyon will continue in his position as team manager.

The 2026 season also represents the final year of Tech3’s current contract with KTM. However, KTM motorsport director Pit Beirer revealed last month that Steiner has already expressed a desire to continue the partnership with the Austrian manufacturer beyond the existing agreement, underlining continuity as Tech3 enters a new era in MotoGP.