THE GAJSER TEAM

Obviously, the big news for 2026 is the change of teams for two five-time world champions in Jeffrey Herlings and Tim Gajser. Herlings from KTM to HRC and Gajser from HRC to Yamaha. While both riders seem to be more than comfortable on their new teams and bikes, we asked some of the Monster Energy Yamaha crew about their opinion of what to expect in 2026 with Gajser and also what it is like working with such a successful man.

Massimo Castelli, who has been with Gajser for many years now, returns to the Yamaha fold, after spending a lot of time with HRC. The Yamaha crew chief is a lot like a father figure for the Slovenian and enjoys the experience working with the hard-working legend.

“I won five world championships with him (Tim Gajser). I practically watched him grow up; he was just a kid when we started working together. He is someone who takes his work very seriously, trains hard, recognizes the work of those around him, and respects things and people. He is a wonderful person both on and off the track. To me, he is like a second son. Let’s face it, when you win a world championship, it’s often because you have a team behind you that finds the right motivation to always give 101%. Passion but also great professionalism.”

Team owner, Hans Corvers has also worked with a lot of very good riders but feels that he might have reached the peak when it comes to professionalism, working with Gajser. Corvers isn’t surprised that the Slovenian hero works so hard and puts so much time into his preparation.

“He is super, super professional and I have never had a guy that is so professional. We delivered a bike to him on the 2nd of January, and the bike had been tested internally by Yamaha, which gave it a good base. Both Tim and Maxime are happy with the set-up. Your R&D team went over to Tim’s to be with him, but unbelievable he said the base was already good enough, but he just wanted some minor changes and after two days, we knew where we needed to do something. They implemented those changes, took the bike to Sardinia and I can tell you, he had two test days and he said stop, now it is up to me to adapt to the new bike.”

The team manager Michele Lavetti also feels comfortable and excited to work with somebody as professional as Gajser. The same word comes out of all the mouths of Gajsers team members and its professional. We all know in the MXGP paddock that Gajser is a super nice guy, but his work ethic is also pretty special.

“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.”

So now, as we wait for the opening round of the 2026 season, which takes off in Argentina in early March, we also cannot wait to see how this team develops over the coming months and if they can help Gajser win Yamaha their first premier class title since Romain Febvre in 2015.

Photo credit: Bavo Swijgers