In the realm of tabloid news, there is speculation surrounding the future leadership of the Yamaha MotoGP team. Lin Jarvis, the current boss, is rumored to be stepping down at the end of the 2024 season after nearly three decades at the helm. During his tenure, Jarvis has led Yamaha to eight world titles and made strategic moves such as signing Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo. However, with Yamaha undergoing a reorganization and aiming to regain its winning ways, the decision to find a suitable successor for Jarvis is a critical one.
One potential candidate from within the Yamaha ranks is team manager Maio Meregalli. Meregalli has been an integral part of the team for years and possesses a deep understanding of its inner workings. He has played a crucial role in Yamaha’s current rebuilding efforts and has knowledge of the team’s future direction, which is particularly important considering the upcoming rule changes in 2027. However, Meregalli’s lack of experience in corporate strategy may hinder his chances of taking on a CEO-type role.
Another candidate being considered is Paolo Pavesio, who currently holds the position of marketing and motorsport director at Yamaha Europe. Pavesio has been with Yamaha for 20 years and has worked his way up through the ranks. While he may not be a familiar name to many fans, his extensive experience within the company could be seen as an advantage. However, the team’s recent attempts to adopt a more European approach may pose a challenge for someone who has primarily worked at the executive level.
If Yamaha is open to bringing in someone from outside the organization, Livio Suppo could be a strong contender. Suppo has previously served as team boss for Ducati, Honda, and Suzuki, and has a proven track record of success. His experience and ability to effectively communicate with Japanese bosses make him an attractive candidate. However, introducing Suppo to the team may bring about significant changes, which could be a concern for Yamaha during a period of ongoing restructuring.
While much attention is given to Yamaha’s MotoGP efforts, their production bike racing program has also seen success under the leadership of Andrea Dosoli. Dosoli has been involved with Yamaha’s superbike teams since 2015 and has achieved notable accomplishments, including a World Superbike title and multiple national titles. His experience and success in running race teams make him a suitable candidate for a promotion to MotoGP. However, this move may disrupt Yamaha’s World Superbike effort, which is currently in the process of rebuilding.
Lastly, Johan Stigefelt, former Petronas Yamaha team director, could be considered as a potential candidate. Stigefelt not only has experience running a MotoGP team but also has a deep understanding of how Yamaha operates, thanks to his time with the satellite squad. His close relationship with Fabio Quartararo, as well as his success in discovering and nurturing talent, could work in his favor. However, his lack of factory experience may be seen as a drawback for a team in a critical phase.
Ultimately, the decision to choose a successor to Lin Jarvis is a complex one for Yamaha. The team must weigh the candidates’ qualifications, experience, and potential for disruption as they navigate this crucial transition period.