Razgatlıoğlu to MotoGP: Here we go

Written by Isha Reshmi Mohan

Toprak Razgatlıoğlu will compete in MotoGP from the 2026 season | Credit: toprak_tr54 via X

After plenty of anticipation and waiting around, the two-time world superbike champion, Toprak Razgatlıoğlu who has been vocal about making a move to MotoGP, has finally made his wishes come true with the Pramac Yamaha team from the 2026 season.

Although his links to Honda were much louder at one point, the Pramac team's move materialized despite team boss Massimo Meregalli having downplayed those rumors just a few weeks prior, dismissing any discussions as premature. With this move, Razgatlıoğlu will also be the first Turkish rider to compete in MotoGP.

Previous ties to Yamaha

Razgatlıoğlu was part of the Yamaha Factory team in WorldSBK for four years, from 2020 to 2023. During this period, he won his first World Championship title in 2021 and accumulated a total of 37 wins with the team. 

He also had a brief stint with Yamaha on the MotoGP side, first in 2022, when he had the opportunity to test the YZR-M1 bike at Aragon and subsequently participated in test sessions at Jerez in 2023.

What’s next?

Although Razgatlıoğlu is renowned for his performance on Pirelli tires in WorldSBK, MotoGP will continue with Michelins for the upcoming season. While his move to the premier class is generating immense hype, it's essential to recognize that even within top-tier racing, he will need a period of adaptation to the distinct demands of MotoGP, a reality he surely understands.

Beyond the technical adaptation, significant discussions will also commence regarding his personal partnership with Red Bull and whether it would bring them over to the team to extend the long-standing partnership with Toprak.

Finally, the Prima Pramac Yamaha team still needs to decide who will ride alongside Toprak Razgatlıoğlu when he joins in 2026. Miguel Oliveira holds an advantage here, as his contract extends through 2026. 

However, Oliveira has missed time on the bike this year due to injury. On the other hand, despite some crashes, Jack Miller has demonstrated decent performance so far this season. We await further announcements from the team regarding their 2026 lineup.