The 2026 MXGP season is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing in recent years, and the factory Yamaha team has made a statement by signing five-time world champion Tim Gajser. We caught up with Factory Yamaha MXGP team owner, Hans Corvers as he opens up about the move, the negotiations behind the scenes, and how the Slovenian star will integrate into the team alongside Maxime Renaux. From training bases in Slovenia to the workshop sessions in Belgium, Corvers provides a detailed look at Yamaha’s preparations for a season that promises to be packed with title contenders, rising talents, and plenty of excitement for motocross fans worldwide.
GateDrop: Hans, it is finally official – Tim Gajser has signed with Yamaha for the 2026 season. Just how did this deal all come about and when did talks first start?
Corvers: On Sunday morning on June the 1st at the MXGP of Germany, I was told by Tim’s previous Team owner that they were not going to renew Tim’s contract for 2026. I passed this on internally at Yamaha, and from that moment the discussions began.
GateDrop: Gajser is a five times world champion, he’s one rider you’ve tried to beat to the title for many years. It must feel amazing that he is now part of your team?
Corvers: It’s logical that we’re very happy with this move. Tim is and remains one of the 3 or 4 contenders for the title. With Gajser on your team, you’re normally always in contention for the podium.
GateDrop: Can you confirm how many years Gajser has signed with Yamaha for?
Corvers: It is a 2 year deal with an option.
GateDrop: Was it a difficult deal to make happen financially – did Monster get involved to get the deal over the line?
Corvers: It was mainly a protracted negotiation. I am not aware of the financial side of things, this is arranged by Yamaha Motor Europe, and I cannot comment on the arrangement with Monster Energy.
GateDrop: Gajser has been used to spending most of his time at home in Slovenia and then Italy. I assume you’ll let him still spend most of his time in Slovenia but when testing he required he’ll spend time in the Netherlands/Belgium area?
Corvers: Tim has been planning his training schedules around his home in Slovenia for years, so we won’t be changing that. He feels good there and has already proven that it works. We have, however, agreed that he will come to Belgium a few times to train with the bike near our workshop, such as in Lommel, Grevenbroich, Berghem, etc.
GateDrop: Who will Gajser’s mechanic and training mechanic be for 2026? Is he brining people with him he’s worked with in the past or will it be a new group he is working with?
Corvers: Nash Ihle will become Tim’s race mechanic. Nash has been with KEMEA for the past two years. Roberto will remain his training mechanic, so he will bring him with him, and Roberto will therefore mostly stay in Slovenia.
GateDrop: Gajser can start riding the Yamaha now in January, it’s not that long before the start of the season – is that something you are worried about?
Corvers: Sure that it is not the best way to start as the time will run fast considering the pre-season races are to be held at the beginning of February but Tim has so much experience.
GateDrop: Looking back at the 2025 season, how would you reflect on it? After Maxime Renaux won in Argentina things seemed to go downhill… How motivated are you to turn things around for the 2026 season?
Corvers: All three of our riders came out of last winter very well, all with great ambition. Maxime immediately confirmed this with the pre-season races in La Capelle and Hawkstone, riding very strongly in both races, and then the brilliant MXGP victory at the first GP in Argentina, so it couldn’t have started better. Then Maxime injured his hand, and from then on, the problems never ended. I’m now very happy that all those troubles are behind Maxime, he’s feeling good at the moment. Jago never found his rhythm last season; although he came out of the winter strong, he never felt comfortable during the season. I won’t say what the problem was there. Calvin has done and achieved what he can for the second year in a row. Calvin is a rider you can always count on, he’s always present, and the statistics prove it.
GateDrop: There was obviously a lot of speculation regarding Maxime Renaux, was it ever an option he’d leave ahead of the 2026 season – I am sure you are glad he stays for next year as a fully fit Renaux can challenge for the title!
Corvers: I don’t want to say too much about this because there are so many stories around here, and we know exactly how it went. What I do want to say is that we are absolutely 100% motivated together, the entire team is fully ready for Maxime and of course also for Tim. KEMEA once won the World Title with Maxime on the 125cc, then in the MX2 class. The intention is also to add an MXGP title, it would be great if we could achieve this together.
GateDrop: It looks like Maxime is already putting the hard work in over in Spain, how are things going for him at the moment?
Corvers: Maxime has completed a physical training camp in Spain, followed by about 10 days near RedSand in Spain for the first motorcycle training sessions. He indicates that the foundation is already very good and is happy with the new 2026 motorcycle, which makes us and himself happy.
GateDrop: I believe that Massimo Castelli has been employed by Yamaha to do the engines? How did this all come together – I guess it was a request made by Tim to bring him over from Honda? Will he work together with Michele Rinaldi?
Corvers: Massimo Castelli is also coming to our team and he will become Tim’s crew chief. Massimo worked with Tim for 11 years at his previous employer. They know each other very well and both parties are very happy to continue working with Yamaha on the new challenge.
GateDrop: The factory Yamaha MXGP team usually runs three riders but for 2026 there will be two – was this a difficult decision to make and what’s the main reason for it?
Corvers: As anyone with a team knows, running three riders is a lot of work and increasingly expensive. Internally, Yamaha has decided to continue with two riders for the coming years.
GateDrop: Glenn Coldenhoff will be riding a Yamaha next year – would you be open to drafting him into the team for a few GP’s if you could make it work?
Corvers: Sorry, but I only know from the media that Glenn will be riding for a new Yamaha Team in Brazil, that’s all I know about it.
GateDrop: There are rumours that the team will be running Star Yamaha engines for the 2026 season – this is something you made happen when you ran the MX2 team – is this something you can confirm or deny that is happening for 2026? If so will Maxime and Gajser both get the engines?
Corvers: I want to be clear about this: we are the official Yamaha MXGP Factory Team, and our R&D is managed from Japan/Europe with extensive consultations with the USA. We are riding Yamaha Factory engines 2026.
GateDrop: In terms of 2026, what are your goal for both riders throughout the course of the season?
Corvers: Our biggest wish for 2026 is to have a full season without injuries, as we’ve had far too many of those in recent years, and that obviously prevents us from competing for the podium. We also don’t want to hide our desire to compete for the title, but that’s what our colleagues are aiming for. It’s going to be a very exciting season, as we have several young lions joining the ranks, so it’s going to be an interesting one.
GateDrop: Do you know yet which pre-season both riders will contest?
Corvers: Both riders will do 2 pre-season races. It looks like it will start in Alghero for Tim and Pernes les Fontaines for Maxime.
GateDrop: 2026 MXGP is going to be very exciting with Gajser and Herlings changing brands with the rookies – Adamo, De Wolf, Vialle – then add in Coenen, Febvre and Renaux – you must be excited for 2026? I know I am!
Corvers: Everyone is eagerly anticipating the new season. It’s been years since so many riders have been nominated in advance to compete for gold. This only makes it even better for all of us, and especially for all motocross enthusiasts. Let’s get started!
