During the preparations for the Italian Grand Prix, two of the journalists from the official website MotoGP.com went into the paddock to meet Paolo Pavesio, now replacing Lin Jarvis as Managing Director of Yamaha Motor Racing, after 26 years of successful service.
Whether prepared or not, the answers from the former director of marketing and motorsports at Yamaha Motor Europe (YME) shed some light on all the current issues concerning the Iwata firm, starting with the announced transfer of Toprak Razgatlioglu to MotoGP next year.
“To be honest, I'm happy to see the enthusiasm it generates. I think it's a good thing, overall, for the paddock, because a lot of fans wanted to see this rider in MotoGP. We're happy because he's really motivated to take on this challenge. And we're happy to have been able to give him this opportunity, let's say, after a first attempt. It's also a good thing for Superbike, because it proves that Superbike can be a pathway to the highest level.”
Scratching where it hurts (a little), the two journalists discussed the 116-lap test for the Turkish driver in April 2023, which clearly did not go well in the latter's eyes, after a first contact for 40 laps the previous year. The experienced man in blue somewhat sidesteps this thorn...
“Yes, I’ve heard a lot about this test. First of all, as you may know, Toprak did two tests with us before signing permanently. The first was simply a gift after his world title. The second was intended to better understand each other: for us, to see how Toprak performed in a MotoGP, and for him, to gauge himself. It was a more structured approach, over two days. I honestly think it probably wasn’t the right time. I don’t think he was as motivated as he is today to make the step. And, clearly, we weren’t ready as we are now: operationally, in terms of the performance of the package… It was a particularly complicated time for us, that’s no secret. We’re still on the way, as I often say: we haven’t achieved anything yet, but we’re on the way back. And this seems to be the right time to make that happen.”
Is it possible to see Toprak on a Yamaha MotoGP before the Valencia tests? Maybe...
“I would say the Valencia test is the realistic goal. And I have to say that the relationship with BMW in this transition has been very professional. So Valencia, yes, for sure. But if we have the opportunity to run it sooner, and taking into account its current obligations and ours, then we will try to make it happen. But only if it remains compatible with our respective commitments.”
As for the question of who Jack Miller ou Miguel Oliveira will no longer be at Pramac in 2026, Paolo Pavesio recalls that things are not necessarily limited to the fact that the Portuguese driver has a 2026 contract, unlike the Australian...
“In both cases, we are dealing with experienced drivers. Of course, when a new driver arrives, you have to make room for them. It’s never an easy decision, but that’s part of the sport. We still want to take some time to evaluate both drivers, then make a choice, and probably submit a proposal to one of them. Yes, Miguel has a contract with options. What I can say is that his future is partly in his own hands. We want to offer him and Jack the best possible support. And when we are ready to make a decision, we will do so based on a complete evaluation. We are in no rush, but we also know that a decision will have to be made before the summer break, for them too.”
Finally, the subject of the V4 engine was discussed, recently tested on the Barcelona circuit by the test drivers, but which will not be racing this year with the official drivers. fabio quartararo et Alex Rins.
“We do plan for the (official) riders to test the bike, but not to race it. It will depend on how the next steps go. As we have always said, this is a development project alongside the competition. Now that the bike is out on track, it’s official. And as I often say, the more the M1 progresses in terms of performance, the more interesting and challenging the internal competition becomes. But we really want to get the best out of the V4, to make it a bike of the future, while remaining as competitive as possible every weekend with the current package.”
MotoGP Paolo Pavesio Toprak Razgatlioglu MotoGP Paolo Pavesio Toprak Razgatlioglu MotoGP Paolo Pavesio Toprak Razgatlioglu
