The 2019 season will see the beginning of a new partnership between two legendary French names of motorcycle racing as Total, with its Elf brand, and KTM Tech3 join forces in the MotoGP and Moto2 world championships. This new three-year partnership is just as exciting and stimulating for the oil major as it is for the Grand Prix team.

Backed by its expertise and know-how in racing fuels and lubricants, Elf will support the Tech3 team next year in its new challenge alongside Austrian motorcycle manufacturer KTM. Tech3, led by Hervé Poncharal, will be responsible for helping to develop KTM motorcycles in its role as a junior team. The rider line-up comprises Miguel Oliveira and Hafizh Syahrin in MotoGP and Marco Bezzecchi and Philipp Öttl in Moto2.

Present on the Grand Prix circuit since 1973, Elf has always seen racing as a fantastic testing ground. The brand has contributed to the development of new technologies throughout all of its seasons on the track. This pioneer spirit and quest for high performance made Elf the natural partner for the trailblazing Tech3 team and KTM, which joined the MotoGP and Moto2 grids two years ago to develop new projects.

Pierre-Gautier Caloni, the vice-president, Total Competition & Sponsoring explained: “We are very pleased to announce that Total, via its Elf brand, will partner the KTM Tech3 team next year in both MotoGP and Moto2 racing. Behind the Tech3 team is a man – Hervé Poncharal – with whom we are very excited to be working. When he founded his team 30 years ago, Hervé Poncharal created an operation that has become a benchmark and a symbol among motorcycle Grand Prix competitors. The Tech3 team’s dedication and professional attitude set the example – and for good reason. With Tech3, we will also have the opportunity to work with KTM, a young and ambitious manufacturer who is also European leader in the motorcycle market. I am certain that together we will obtain results that match our potential while continuing to develop our products and know-how.”

Hervé Poncharal, KTM Tech3 team manager added: “For a team like Tech3 that is involved in MotoGP and Moto2 racing, it’s an honour to sport the Elf logo – especially since we’re French. I am truly very pleased to join forces today with a legendary name in motorsports. Beyond the brand and its history, I’m also talking about the technology and quality of the products that have built Elf’s reputation. More than a new partnership, this is a coming home, since Elf was Tech3’s partner in 1995. That was the year Jean-Philippe Ruggia and Olivier Jacque raced for us in the 250 cc class. Later on, in 2001 and 2002, we moved up to the premier class with Elf’s support. Most of all, Elf’s special fuels and lubricants will help us raise the bar as we begin a new adventure with KTM. For Tech3, 2019 will be exciting in more ways than one.”