With Yamaha entering a new era in MXGP for 2026 – headlined by the high-profile signing of five-time world champion Tim Gajser alongside the ultra-talented Maxime Renaux – all eyes are on the Factory Yamaha team as the championship prepares for one of its most intriguing seasons in years. At the centre of that operation is team manager Michele Lavetti, who has quietly but effectively guided the Japanese brand through recent seasons after stepping up from a mechanic role in 2021.
We caught up with Lavetti as he opens up about his transition into management, what it’s been like integrating Gajser into the Yamaha family, the role of respected technician Massimo Castelli, and how the team is approaching a stacked and unpredictable 2026 MXGP championship.
GateDrop: Michele, I believe you were appointed factory Yamaha team manager in 2021. Before that I believe you were a mechanic, I am sure you’ve adapted to the role now, but did it take you long to find your feet in this role?
Lavetti: It has definitely been a steep learning curve. The first year was about understanding the bigger picture and earning trust, both from the team and from myself in this role. Coming from a mechanic’s background helped because I understood the day-to-day realities, but management brings a completely different set of challenges. I would say it took a good season or two to really find my feet, but once I settled into the role and developed my own way of working, things started to feel much more natural.
GateDrop: Just how much difference is there being a team manager compared to a mechanic?
Lavetti: The difference is pretty significant. As mechanic, your focus is very hands on getting the bike ready, solving technical problems and delivering performance on race weekend. As a team manager, you step back from the tools and look at the whole operation: people management planning communication and team strategy. You are responsible not just for how the bike performs, but for how the team functions as a unit. Having a mechanic’s background helps a lot, but the mindset shift from doing the job yourself to enabling others to do it well is the biggest change.
GateDrop: Factory Yamaha have inked a deal with Tim Gajser which was official on the 1st of January. Just how have the first two weeks gone with Tim?
Lavetti: They’ve gone really well, to be honest. The focus is on building solid working relationship and understanding how Tim likes to work, both on and off the bike. From the moment we were able to start working together, we could immediately operate in a focused and effective way thanks to his valuable input and professionalism. This allowed us to move in the right direction from the very beginning.
GateDrop: As a person what has Tim been like to work with so far?
Lavetti: Tim has been great to work with so far. He is very professional, open in his communication, and brings really positive attitude into the team. It is still early, but he’s already made strong impression both on and off the bike.
GateDrop: Did Tim start riding a stock bike before being introduced to a factory bike? Can you give us insight into the machinery he’s been riding the first two weeks?
Lavetti: Yes, Tim started on a stock bike before he jumped on the Factory bike. We’ve made small adjustments based on his feedback, but nothing huge. It’s been more about understanding his riding style and collecting data. That information will help guide the development direction as we move forward.
GateDrop: Considering he couldn’t ride the bike until Jan, we are in unknown territory because it’s not that long until the first MXGP round. How close do you think he’ll be to being fully ready for Argentina?
Lavetti: There’s still work to do, as you’d expect, but the progress so far as been encouraging. If we keep building like we are doing now, he will arrive in Argentina well prepared and competitive.
GateDrop: At the start of last year the riders seemed to struggle a bit with the 2025 frame – it looks like Tim is riding a 2025 frame at moment – what has his feedback been?
Lavetti: Tim starts riding with the YZ450F 2026 frame. Tim’s feedback is that it is a really good base.
GateDrop: Massimo Castelli – an experienced technician has also followed Tim from Honda – what’s it been like having him on-board? He’s very highly respected!
Lavetti: It’s been really positive having Massimo on board. He brings huge amount of experience and technical knowledge. He’s already added value in terms of structure, feedback, and attention to details, so it’s been a very smooth integration so far.
GateDrop: Will Massimo also be Maxime Renaux’s technician or only Tim’s?
Lavetti: No, Massimo will be working only with Tim as a crew chief. Maxime will be working with Bastien as a crew chief.
GateDrop: Everybody knows how talented Maxime Renaux is but injuries haven’t been kind to him the past couple of years. With a lot of riders swapping brands and rookies moving into MXGP, it feels like less people are talking about him so perhaps he has less pressure going into the season?
Lavetti: Maxime’s talent has never been in question and within the paddock everyone knows what he’s capable off. The key for Maxime is coming into the season healthy and building momentum step by step. If he can do that, I think people will be reminded very quickly just how good he is.
GateDrop: I guess for Maxime, the most important thing is for him to remain injury free? Last year after the first round – that he won – it felt like he was always carrying an injury and not riding 100%…
Lavetti: Exactly. Staying healthy is the priority. When Maxime is fit and able to ride at 100%, he’s one of the strongest riders in this class. This year the focus is on smart preparation, managing the workload, and giving him everything he needs to perform at his best across the whole season.
GateDrop: Yamaha have been used to running three MXGP riders but this year there’s only two – how’s that? Do you miss working with three riders?
Lavetti: There are pros and cons to both. With two riders, you can be very focus and give each rider a lot of attention and support, which is important at this level. Of course, having three riders can sometimes give you more data and information, but I’m very happy with the structure we have now. The team feels well balanced and it allows us to work efficiently and calmly.
GateDrop: Are there any specific areas of the Yamaha YZ450F you’re looking to improve for 2026?
Lavetti: Development is always ongoing. The bike is already very competitive, but we’re constantly looking at ways to improve overall performance.
GateDrop: Have you got a plan for how you maintain harmony and healthy competition between two championship-calibre riders under the same awning?
Lavetti: Yes, that’s something we’re very conscious of. Clear communication and mutual respect are key. Both riders know they’ll receive equal support from the team and we encourage a professional, environment where competition is healthy and motivating. If the structure is right and expectations are clear, having two top riders can push the whole team forward.
GateDrop: What are the expectations for the 2026 season for both Tim and Maxime?
Lavetti: For both riders, the expectation is to be competitive week in, week out. If they both can stay fit and keep progressing, we believe they can go for podiums and strong overall results.
GateDrop: What would you say has been your proudest moment as team manager at Yamaha so far?
Lavetti: Moments like race wins or strong comebacks stand out, but knowing the team environment is healthy, professional and moving in the right direction is what I take the most satisfaction from.
GateDrop: There’s a big buzz around MXGP for 2026 with Tim and Jeffrey switching bikes with Kay, Andrea and Tom also joining the class. I personally can’t wait – you must be looking forward to the season getting underway?
Lavetti: Absolutely. The level in MXGP for 2026 is incredibly high and that’s exciting for everyone involved. Having so many top riders and new stories coming into the class raises the bar and pushes teams to be better. From our side, we are really looking forward to getting the season started and seeing where we stack up. It’s going to be a very competitive and interesting championship.
