Toprak Razgatlioglu has confirmed he may have the opportunity to join the factory Yamaha MotoGP team in 2027, depending on his performance during the 2026 season. The Turkish rider, who recently announced his MotoGP debut with Pramac Yamaha for 2026, is now evaluating the possibility of partnering with Fabio Quartararo the following year.
Razgatlioglu’s transition to MotoGP was officially confirmed last week ahead of the Emilia-Romagna WorldSBK round. While his immediate focus is on his rookie season with Pramac Yamaha, speculation continues over whether he could move up to the Monster Energy factory Yamaha squad in 2027, potentially replacing Alex Rins.
I don’t know if I will be competitive enough in 2026, maybe it [moving to the factory Yamaha team in 2027] could happen, so next year will be very important,
Razgatlioglu stated during the Emilia-Romagna WorldSBK event.
If I do well, it’s an option, we’ll see.
Motivation Fueled by MotoGP Move Amid WorldSBK Title Chase
The reigning World Superbike Champion revealed that confirming his move to MotoGP has intensified his drive to secure another Superbike title this year. Currently trailing Nicolo Bulega by nine points, Razgatlioglu is determined to finish the WorldSBK season strongly before embarking on his MotoGP journey.
My biggest dream, my biggest goal, is to get there after also winning the 2025 title here in Superbike.
He expressed when asked about the additional motivation brought by his upcoming MotoGP commitment. Razgatlioglu understands that the next two years will be pivotal as he adapts to the premier class.
Capitalizing on Bulega’s Setback to Narrow the Points Gap
Razgatlioglu’s recent surge in the championship standings owes much to an incident involving Bulega during the Superpole Race, where Bulega retired after contacting Axel Bassani at the first corner. This misfortune affected Bulega’s starting position for the Sunday races, allowing Razgatlioglu to secure victories in both Race 1 and Race 2.
Following his Race 1 win on Saturday, Razgatlioglu completed a triple race victory weekend by winning both Sunday contests, achieving his second hat-trick of the season—the first having occurred at Portimao. His dominant performance has tightened the championship battle with Bulega.
Tribute to His Late Father After Victorious Weekend
In celebration of his three wins during the weekend, Razgatlioglu displayed a heartfelt message dedicated to his late father, Arif Razgatlioglu, on a cardboard sign. The rider opened up about the emotional significance behind the tribute in an interview with WorldSBK.com.
My father died in 2017 and his biggest dream was that, one day, his son would go to MotoGP,
Razgatlioglu shared.
He was always telling like this to everyone. Finally, this one has come true and I’m really happy because my friends make this emotional message.
I was almost crying. We are coming always step-by-step.
Looking Ahead to a New Chapter in MotoGP
As Razgatlioglu prepares to join the MotoGP grid with Pramac Yamaha next year, his contemplation of a factory team future alongside Fabio Quartararo highlights the opportunities that lie ahead. His 2026 rookie season will be crucial in determining if he can step up to the premier Yamaha factory team in 2027, potentially carving a significant role in the premier class.
The rider’s combination of WorldSBK prowess and ambition places him among the most promising talents likely to influence MotoGP’s competitive landscape over the coming seasons.
