Tech 3 close to new Yamaha deal

Yamaha is close confirming the French-based Tech 3 squad will continue to operate its two-rider satellite team in 2008.

MCN understands lengthy negotiations between Yamaha management and Tech 3 bosses took place in Le Mans last weekend, and a deal could be confirmed before the Italian GP on June 3, 2007.

Tech 3 has run Yamaha’s satellite MotoGP squad since 2001, but has fallen on hard times recently with a lack of sponsorship, and with Dunlop tyres have struggled to attract top talent.

Boss Herve Poncharal said discussions were close to being finalised and the early conclusion would help secure future sponsorship.

“If I am not secure and I don’t know I’m going to have two bikes next year then it is very difficult to look at the next step, which is approaching riders.

“If you don’t have the insurance that you have the bikes and are talking to riders, what is the point in making a proposal to a sponsor? It’s difficult to sell a project, but it’s hard to sell something that doesn’t exist,” said Poncharal.

Yamaha bosses confirmed the negotiations were on-going in France, and also issued strong hints that Tech 3 would switch to Michelin tyres in 2008, after two years with Dunlop.

Poncharal refused point-blank to discuss what tyre brand he would run next season, with Dunlop the major financial backers of his current squad.