Poncharal: Tech3’s state of mind is better than the result
despite sitting at the bottom of the temporary constructors standings, Tech3 Racing began to show a signal of revival on United States Grand Prix last weekend at Austin, Texas. The third MotoGP 2025 series provides a glimmer of hope for the French team, especially after the two riders, Maverick Viales and Enea Bastianini, successfully won the first points of the season.
Qualified Q2 for the first time, Vinales appears confident
The weekend at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) is an important moment for Maverick Viñales. For the first time in the 2025 season, the Spaniard succeeded go straight to the Q2 qualifying session on Friday, which according to the team manager Hervé Poncharal, bringing a positive atmosphere into the Tech3 garage.
“We are very happy with Maverick. Since Friday, he has been full of confidence at his favorite circuit,” Poncharal said. “Everyone still remembers the 2024 season, when he took pole, won in the sprint, and got on the main podium at Austin.”
However, the results of the main race did not meet expectations. Technical problems re-emerged before the start and forced Viñales to start from the very back. Even though he had climbed to the 13th position, he finally finished at 14th order.
“Technical problems appeared on the grid even though the vibrations had been successfully overcome. This is very unfortunate, because in the warm-up session Maverick felt comfortable with his motorbike,” explained Poncharal.
Bastianini Strictly Paste Morbidelli, Finish Seventh
On the other hand, Enea “La Bestia” Bastianini Look impressive. Start from position 17th, he chose the strategy Slick tires, in contrast to many of its rivals who use grooved tires. This decision proved to be right, because the Italian rider overtook many opponents and finished in seventh rank—Tech3’s best results this season.
“Enea was only one second from fifth and two seconds from fourth position. She lost seven seconds at the start of the race, but was able to catch up incredibly,” said Poncharal.
With this result, Bastianini collected the same points as Pedro Acosta, and only three points behind the KTM group standings, Brad Binder.
Is this a turning point?
Viñales’ success qualified for Q2 and Bastianini’s solid performance hinted that Tech3 improvement curve is heading in a positive direction. Bastianini admitted that in Austin he began to feel “balance” on the KTM RC16 motorcycle, while Viñales continued to show promising adaptations.
“In Buriram, Enea is frustrated because it is only competitive at the end of the race. But in Austin, her confidence has grown since the warm-up session,” explained Poncharal.
Compact garage is the key
Poncharal also gave appreciation to the head of the mechanics of each racer, namely Alberto Giribuola For Bastianini and Manu Cazeaux for viales.
“We have two very solid teams in the pit lane. Hopefully this competitive spirit will continue in Qatar, and continue to the series of Europe.”
recap and hope
Tech3 It may not be fully bounced yet, but the results in Austin mark an important moment for the team to get back on a competitive path. If consistency and technical development continue, this team can be a dark horse in the middle of the season.
