Published: 4 Sep 2024
Yamaha Reveals Successor for Retiring MotoGP Team Boss Lin Jarvis
After a 26-year stint at the helm of Yamaha’s MotoGP project, team boss Lin Jarvis is set to leave the team. Yamaha reveals his successor.
After a remarkable 26-year tenure, Lin Jarvis will step down as Yamaha’s MotoGP boss at the end of 2024, with Paolo Pavesio set to take the helm. This transition marks the end of an era for Yamaha, as Jarvis has been a pivotal figure in the brand’s success in the premier class of motorcycle racing.
Pavesio, who has served as the Director of Marketing and Motorsport at Yamaha Motor Europe, brings a wealth of experience to his new role. He restructured the motorsport division, leading Yamaha to multiple world championships in Superbike, Endurance World Championship, and MXGP.
Following his past successes, his signing into the MotoGP structure was widely anticipated as Yamaha continues to overhaul its project in the upcoming months.
At the start of 2024, Yamaha appointed Massimo Bartolini, a top engineer from Ducati, to spearhead the development of the M1 in hopes of making the bike competitive again. Additionally, Yamaha will reintroduce a satellite team in 2025, partnering with Pramac Racing.
Lin Jarvis' retirement ends an era of Yamaha success
Lin Jarvis’s legacy at Yamaha is nothing short of extraordinary. Under the Brit’s leadership, Yamaha secured eight rider championships, six constructor titles, and seven team titles. He was instrumental in bringing Valentino Rossi to Yamaha from Honda in 2003, a move that led to four world championships for the Italian legend.
Jarvis also oversaw the success of Jorge Lorenzo, who won three championships under his management, and more recently, the 2021 title victory of Fabio Quartararo.
Now 66, Jarvis began his career with Yamaha in 1999, signing Max Biaggi as his first major star. Over the years, Jarvis built strong, almost familial relationships with his riders, particularly with Valentino Rossi.
Even as he steps down from his role, Jarvis will continue to contribute to Yamaha as a Senior Advisor, ensuring that his extensive knowledge and experience remain available to the team.
Takahiro Sumi, General Manager of Yamaha’s Motor Sports Development Division, expressed his gratitude for Jarvis’s contributions: “On behalf of Yamaha and personally, I want to thank Lin for his dedication and achievements over the past 26 years.”
“His commitment, hard work, and leadership have been instrumental in Yamaha’s success in MotoGP. I am glad that we can continue to rely on his expertise moving forward.”
Looking ahead, Sumi is optimistic about Pavesio’s upcoming tenure: “Paolo Pavesio will succeed Lin as Managing Director, bringing with him a wealth of experience from YME, where he led Yamaha teams to world championships in Superbike, EWC, and MXGP.”
“I look forward to welcoming Paolo in January and am confident that under his leadership, Yamaha will secure the future success in MotoGP that we all strive for.”
