Toprak Razgatlıoğlu: The Superbike champion joining MotoGP in 2026
- Silvia Cojocaru
- 4 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Written by Silvia Cojocaru, Edited by Dhara Dave
With a new MotoGP season fast approaching, one of the most exciting talking points has been the arrival of three-time World Superbike Champion Toprak Razgatlıoğlu on the grid. He will partner Jack Miller at Prima Pramac Yamaha in his first ever season in the premier class, becoming the first Turkish rider in history to compete in MotoGP.
From his iconic stoppies to record-breaking performances, here are some highlights of Razgatlıoğlu’s career and what to keep an eye on for his debut.
The history of “El Turco”
Razgatlıoğlu first entered the professional racing space in 2013 in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup, where he finished his first season in 10th place. In 2015, he moved to the European Superstock 600 Championship, where he managed an impressive five wins and two third places in the seven races he competed in.
The Turk switched to 1000cc engines the following year with Superstock, where he raced until he entered WorldSBK in 2018.
WorldSBK career
Razgatlıoğlu already proved his skills in smaller categories, but his WorldSBK career is where he cemented himself as one of the most unique riders of our generation, both through his performances and his famous celebrations that he would become known for: the stoppies.
As the son of the former motorcycle stuntman Arif Razgatlıoğlu, also nicknamed “Tek taker Arif” (“Wheelie Arif”), it’s no surprise the Turk chose a special and often dangerous way to mark his victories. He is also a fan of other gymnastic tricks, such as handstands, making him a very fun personality to watch.
Ever since his debut, Razgatlıoğlu saw his first two in the series already on a Kawasaki, and it didn’t take long for him to impress the Yamaha team as well. He signed with the Japanese manufacturer for the 2020 season, and he seemingly needed little time to adapt to the new bike, as he finished the year in fifth place.
His impressive performances with the R1 model were only the beginning. In 2021, he claimed his first WorldSBK title with a campaign that ended Jonathan Rea’s run of six consecutive titles. This result makes him the first Turkish WorldSBK champion.
Razgatlıoğlu’s following two years with the Yamaha team didn't bring him any more titles, but this doesn’t mean that his performance weakened. With 21 more wins and 62 podiums, it’s no surprise that Yamaha wanted to partner the Turk on his MotoGP debut.
After leaving Yamaha in 2023, Razgatlıoğlu was left looking for a new challenge. He joined BMW and showed once again that he is able to adapt to new machinery incredibly quickly, taking him only four races to win on the new bike.
He won his second WorldSBK championship just a year later, setting a record for most consecutive race wins (13). In 2025, he defended his title after a difficult start to the season, ending with 21 wins out of 36 races.
Looking to the future
With three WorldSBK titles under his belt, Razgatlıoğlu decided to go for an even greater challenge and enter the MotoGP grid. He signed with Yamaha in the summer of 2025 and will join Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP in 2026 with lots of expectations.
Yamaha’s managing sporting director, Paolo Pavesio, stated: “We are thrilled to welcome Toprak back into the Yamaha family. Toprak, the most victorious Yamaha rider of all time in Superbike, has proven to be an exceptional talent, securing the WorldSBK Title twice, which is no mean feat.”
More encouraging words came from manager Alberto Vergani, who compares Razgatlıoğlu with the likes of the legendary Casey Stoner. He explained: “For me, Razgatlıoğlu is a ‘Stoner 2.0’ - the revenge. 2026 will be a season of discovery for him, because the bike, the tyres and the circuits will all be new. But I believe in his talent, and I’m convinced he will show everyone what he is capable of, even with a Yamaha that is not yet at the level of the competition.”
Still, Razgatlıoğlu remains realistic about his chances in his debut season, stating: “We will see. I say to everyone, ‘This is a new challenge for me, and I’m also really open to learn’.
“This bike is completely different to the Superbike, I know. And I’m changing my style a little bit.”
He looks further into 2027, hoping for a long career in the premier class. He adds: “But, only for one year, because in 2027 Pirelli is coming, and maybe for that time I will need to come back to my style again. But we will see. I think I will find a way.”
The Turkish rider will join the grid downing the No.7, as his already famous No.54 is currently used by Gresini rider Fermín Aldeguer, and will undoubtedly be the perfect match for Miller’s contagious personality.
There is not much left to wait before we can see Razgatlıoğlu race on track. Make sure to follow his debut by tuning in for the opening Thailand Grand Prix on 1st March at 8.00 BST!
