“Unbeatable When the Stars Align” – Poncharal on Tech3’s Best Bet for 2025
Following Pedro Acosta's departure to the factory KTM team in 2025, Herve Poncharal reveals who he thinks will be Tech3's best bet for 2025.
There was no rider transfer or bombshell contract news grabbing the headlines at Silverstone this MotoGP weekend – but the paddock still saw a major shift.
After twenty years at the helm, Hervé Poncharal has officially stepped down as IRTA President, handing over the reins to long-time LCR boss Lucio Cecchinello.
Poncharal’s leadership of the International Road Racing Teams Association began back in 2005, but his paddock roots stretch back even further to 1990, when he entered grand prix racing with his own team.
Over the past two decades, he’s worked closely with Dorna Sports and the manufacturers’ association (MSMA) to help shape the framework of modern MotoGP.
But at 68, Poncharal felt the time was finally right to step aside. “Twenty years ago, Carmelo Ezpeleta and Mike Trimby asked me if I would run,” he recalled.
“I hesitated at first, but then accepted. I’ve now completed ten terms, and I’ve been looking for a successor for six or eight years.”
“I always said I would step back once someone new came forward – but that never happened.”
It wasn’t until this season that the change finally gained momentum. The idea of a leadership transition was floated at the Argentina Grand Prix in March, and again in Jerez.
According to Poncharal, it was Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola who re-sparked the discussion.
“He asked if we should start looking for a new IRTA president. I agreed, because I never intended to stay in this role forever. Honestly, I believe such positions should be refreshed more often.”
Still, no candidates emerged – so Poncharal took matters into his own hands and suggested someone he believed was more than up to the task: Lucio Cecchinello.
The Italian, who raced himself in the 125cc class between 1993 and 2003 and has been running his own team since 1996, wasn’t expecting the call.
“I admit, I thought this role might come my way one day,” Cecchinello said, “but I didn’t expect it to happen so soon.”
What convinced him? “It was important for Hervé that someone with a similar background took over,” Cecchinello explained.
“I’ve been in the paddock with LCR since 1996 – and since 2003, I’ve never missed a single IRTA meeting.”
“MotoGP has shaped and defined my entire life. This sport has given me so much. Now, it’s time to give something back.”
Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta congratulated Cecchinello personally after the vote, and the new IRTA President said it was a proud moment. “I thanked him – and I’m really looking forward to the job,” he added.
There were no other candidates. The vote took place on Thursday evening at Silverstone, and Cecchinello was elected unanimously.
He knows it won’t be easy – but he’s ready. “I like my job, and I don’t mind staying a few hours longer in the evening. I’m used to eating dinner in my office,” he joked.
