Jarvis, aged 66, has been leading Yamaha’s racing division for an impressive 26 years. His tenure has been marked by significant achievements, notably Yamaha’s revival in the mid-2000s. Collaborating with Davide Brivio, Jarvis played a pivotal role in convincing Valentino Rossi to join Yamaha in 2004, leading to four world titles for Yamaha with Rossi between 2004 and 2009. This success continued into the era of Jorge Lorenzo, who secured three championships for Yamaha in 2010, 2012, and 2015.
Following a period dominated by Marc Marquez and Honda, Yamaha regained the championship in 2021 with Fabio Quartararo, bringing the total tally of world titles won under Jarvis’s leadership to eight. One of Jarvis’s recent accomplishments was securing Quartararo’s renewal for a two-year contract, emphasizing his continued dedication to the team’s success.
However, Jarvis revealed that the current season will be his last at Yamaha. At 66, he feels the need for a change after dedicating over two decades to the factory team. Citing fatigue from extensive travel, Jarvis believes it’s time for him to pursue new endeavors. Despite his departure, Jarvis aims for a smooth transition, ensuring the team’s continuity and future success.
Although Jarvis didn’t disclose his successor’s name, it’s understood that Paolo Pavesio, currently overseeing marketing and racing for Yamaha Europe, is the frontrunner. The Yamaha executive committee reportedly favors Pavesio to take over Jarvis’s position starting in January of the following year. This planned succession underscores Yamaha’s commitment to maintaining stability and expertise within the racing division.
Jarvis’s decision marks the end of an era for Yamaha’s racing division, characterized by unprecedented success and resilience. His leadership and strategic vision have been instrumental in shaping Yamaha’s dominance in MotoGP over the years. As Jarvis prepares to step down, the focus shifts to the future, with Yamaha poised to continue its legacy under new leadership while honoring Jarvis’s significant contributions to the team’s history.