Tim Gajser Debuts Yamaha

Intrview from MXLarge.com

Monster Energy Yamaha rider, Tim Gajser makes his Yamaha debut this weekend in Sardinia, at the Lazzaretto track. Taking on the likes of Lucas Coenen, Andrea Adamo, Jeremy Seewer, and Calvin Vlaanderen, its going to be a true test on his debut ride on the blue machine. He speaks to the guys from the Italian International about his new ride and the racing this weekend.

The live streaming will feature two separate coverages, with Marco Gualdani providing Italian commentary and MXGP voice Paul Malin, providing English commentary on all the races broadcast live on federmoto.tv and FIM-MOTO.tv.

Q: A new adventure with the 450 Yamaha. How did you find these first tests in 2026?

Gajser: The first test with Yamaha went well, actually. We had to wait quite a while to do it because we only managed to do it at the beginning of the new year, in January 2026. But overall, I was happy and immediately I felt comfortable with the bike, so yes, everything went well.

Q: The Italian Internationals are an important test for 2026. What will you be working on most?

Gajser: Yes, these races are a bit like a test, you know, because we’re coming out of winter, a sort of break from racing, you know, we haven’t raced for a couple of months. But also for me this year, you know, changing teams, changing bikes, I think it will be very important to do some races, and this kind of race is, you know, really useful to see where you stand, what aspects you still need to work on, what’s going well, what needs to be changed before the start of the World Championship. So these are always great races, let’s say, to get back into the rhythm of racing and everything else.

Q: You have been a world leader for years, but now you have decided to leave the team with which you won. The only certainty is Massimo Castelli. How is your relationship?

Gajser: Yes, Massimo and I have a great relationship. He is a great man. He has a lot of experience, and it’s great to have him by my side, especially now that I am facing this big change and such an important step in my career, completely changing everything. So it’s great to have him with me; he really knows what I want from the bike and all that stuff. So yes, it’s always been great working with him, but even now, you know, it’s incredible to have him here with me at Yamaha.

Q: We’re at the start of the season. How are you preparing? What are your strengths, and what do you need to improve?

Gajser: Yes, the season starts this weekend, let’s say. And we’re preparing really hard; I’m working hard, you know, physically and mentally, but also on the bike, trying to feel more and more comfortable every time I get on it. So yes, there are always areas for improvement, even if you’re really good. I always say that you’re never so good that you can’t improve. I always try to understand where I can do better, I analyze, I think about where I can improve myself, but also the bike. I’m always looking for improvement.

Q: You are spectacular and very aggressive in your riding. What matters most today to win a world championship? What characteristics must a winner have today?

Gajser: I mean, the most important thing… there are several excellent riders in MXGP, especially this year. Some young riders will be coming up from MX2 who are hungry, fit, and fast. So, what matters is believing in yourself, working hard every day, being consistent in races, and also staying healthy. I think that’s fundamental. Because if you’re not healthy, if you get injured, even if it’s just minor aches and pains that prevent you from training at 100%, it can cost you dearly. So, in the end, if you put all these pieces together and the puzzle is complete, you can win the title. I think it’s all of these things together.

Q: A greeting to your fans and a farewell to the races, which will soon see you starring in the Motocross Internationals.

Gajser: Yes, I want to say hello to all the fans and thank them for all their support, during all these years I’ve been in the World Championship. It’s been quite a few years, so yes, I want to thank them for all their support and I hope to see you at the races.