The former World Cup driver, who went all the way to the sport's heavyweight class, is now the operational manager of the successful team Petronas Yamaha SRT.

Since 2005, Johan Stigefelt has worked purposefully to build teams, and now he is reaping the benefits of many years of hard work.

Recently, Småland signed a contract with the legendary and nine-time world champion Valentino Rossi, for 2021.

- It may be his last year as active, but we do not want to be a closing tour for him.

It should be results first, then market value.

We do our utmost and he does his utmost, says Johan Stigefelt to SVT Sport.

Turnover around 250 million

The team has a turnover of around SEK 250 million a year and has 64 employees.

Johan has a key role with the ultimate responsibility for the purely sporting.

His first driver, the Frenchman Fabio Quartararo, leads the World Cup series.

- It is unbelievable what a journey I have been on.

To lead the team championship and take four victories and create an incredibly large team in all classes ... yes, you have to pinch your arm, Johan continues.

"It would have been great fun to sign a Swede"

Do you dream of the possibility of signing a contract with a Swedish driver in the future?

- It would have been great fun to sign a Swede.

But right now it does not look so easy.

There is so much that comes into play.

Talent, of course, which I am sure we have, money that is difficult and sacrifices that must be made.

It is simply a matter of moving abroad and driving in Italy or Spain, in the series there.

The Swede has become a power factor in the sport, but intends to stay in his current position.

- I'm loyal to this team.

I have built it from scratch and what we have been through is fantastic.

It will take a lot if I have to change to something else, Johan Stigefelt concludes.