Gavin Emmett has shared the latest development in Apex Investment Group and Guenther Steiner’s potential acquisition of KTM’s satellite team, Tech3.
Links of Steiner’s interest in taking over the MotoGP outfit emerged after it was revealed that an American consortium was in talks of partnering with Tech3 and slotting the former Formula 1 team principal in as the team manager.
Steiner identified Herve Poncharal as the ‘weak link’ in the team, due to the team’s independent status. The current team manager previously stated that it would be ‘stupid’ of him to ‘close the door’ to discussions regarding the satellite team’s future.
Poncharal later expressed his dismay at rumours that a deal is done, stating that he hasn’t signed anything that would indicate what he is hearing.
However, a few weeks later, it seems Poncharal may have put pen to paper, according to MotoGP commentator Gavin Emmett.
READ MORE: Everything to know about KTM Tech3 including the MotoGP team’s riders
Gavin Emmett has heard that the deal regarding Tech3 and Guenther Steiner is ‘done’
Speaking during TNT Sports’ coverage of the second practice session of the Austrian Grand Prix weekend, Emmett shared what he has heard in the paddock regarding the latest developments in Poncharal’s sale of Tech3.
“I still want to talk about Herve selling up. Guenther Steiner and Apex Investment Group are buying,” Emmett revealed (14:33 15/08). “
Photo by MICHAL CIZEK/AFP via Getty Images
“It sounds like everyone I have spoken to about it. I spoke to a few different people about it, it’s done. Herve’s going to have a good Christmas anyway, by the sounds of things.”
Sylvain Guintoli chimed in with his thoughts on the deal, responding, “A big part of it is keeping a lot of people involved, keeping all the same people involved.
“And whichever way it goes, what a wonderful story, to the Tech3 story. Herve starting the team and fielding that team. I mean, do you remember the years with Olivier Jacque and the Chesterfield Yamaha days, getting the title.”
READ MORE: Everything to know about Enea Bastianini from net worth to career stats
A Tech3 resurgence could be in order if Guenther Steiner gets his wish following the deal
Steiner has yearned to make Tech3 a Ducati satellite team if the terms of his deal were accepted by Poncharal. If he is successful in his bid, Tech3 would become the fourth satellite team of Ducati on the grid.
Steiner sought a guarantee from Dorna regarding the sale, due to the fact that every team’s contract in the championship is up at the end of next year. The motorsport chief wanted to know if Tech3’s position in the premier class was safe before he pursued it any further.
We are back! 🙌 The second half of the season kicks off this August with a new back-to-back and a fresh addition to the calendar: the Hungarian Grand Prix! 🇭🇺
But first, let’s start with one of the most beautiful circuits of the year — the #AustrianGP! 🇦🇹✨ pic.twitter.com/BvHICznrE5
— Tech3 Racing (@Tech3Racing) August 13, 2025
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KTM rider Enea Bastianini is reportedly desperate to leave Tech3 due to interest from other teams, but Steiner’s interest in swapping the KTM bikes for those of the Borgo Panigale-based team’s bikes could force him to reconsider.
Bastianini has struggled to adapt to the RC16 since his exit from the factory Ducati team at the end of last season, so another chance atop the currently dominant bike would be something right up his street.