Sven Blusch, head of BMW Motorrad Motorsport, revealed that BMW is exploring riders from the MotoGP paddock as potential replacements for Toprak Razgatlioglu in the 2026 World Superbike (WorldSBK) season. Razgatlioglu, who leaves BMW to join Pramac Yamaha in MotoGP next year, has been BMW’s only dry weather race winner and their sole WorldSBK champion, creating a significant vacancy within the factory team.
The search for a successor to Razgatlioglu has included interest in Moto2 riders like Aron Canet, currently second in the 2025 Moto2 World Championship standings, nine points behind leader Manuel Gonzalez. However, Blusch confirmed that BMW’s recruitment strategy extends beyond Moto2, focusing also on seasoned MotoGP competitors.
Current Discussions and Candidate Prospects
Blusch explained that BMW is evaluating all potential sources for riders to secure the best fit for the team’s goals. He told WorldSBK.com that interactions with several team managers during the Assen event were insightful and that a clearer picture should emerge in the upcoming two to three weeks.
We are looking at the moment at all riders’ markets,
— Sven Blusch, Head of BMW Motorrad Motorsport
The paddock here is important, but we are also looking at the MotoGP paddock.
— Sven Blusch, Head of BMW Motorrad Motorsport
I think it will take another two [to] three weeks to get a good feeling about who to take, but, for sure, it was interesting to talk to a couple of managers at Assen.
— Sven Blusch, Head of BMW Motorrad Motorsport
BMW is open to recruiting both experienced riders from MotoGP and emerging talents in Moto2 who may not advance to MotoGP but appreciate the competitive level of WorldSBK. Blusch highlighted that Razgatlioglu’s move underscores the high caliber of riders in WorldSBK, which could appeal to these candidates.
I think Toprak’s [Razgatlioglu] move to MotoGP shows the quality of riders here, even for Moto2 riders.
— Sven Blusch, Head of BMW Motorrad Motorsport
Future Seat Decisions and Possible Contenders
Besides the seat vacated by Razgatlioglu, BMW’s other factory slot remains undecided, although Michael van der Mark is still being considered. Blusch mentioned ongoing discussions with van der Mark and other riders, but no official update has been released yet.
We are in constant talks with other riders as well as with Mikey [Michael van der Mark], so we can’t give you an update about his seat at the moment.
— Sven Blusch, Head of BMW Motorrad Motorsport
The arrival of Razgatlioglu at Pramac Yamaha has created some uncertainty around the future of their MotoGP riders Jack Miller and Miguel Oliveira. Both may become options that BMW could assess in their search for replacements.
BMW’s Strategic Move in WorldSBK Recruiting
BMW’s exploration of experienced MotoGP riders alongside Moto2 prospects reflects the manufacturer’s commitment to maintaining a competitive WorldSBK presence following the departure of their leading rider. This approach also signals an openness to diversifying talent backgrounds to strengthen the factory squad.
With crucial decisions expected in the coming weeks, the choices made will shape BMW’s competitiveness in the WorldSBK championship and influence rider movements across top motorcycle racing categories as the 2026 season approaches.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why is MotoGP not so popular?
A. Unfortunately, people prefer entertainment over sports, and MotoGP wants to profit from this. However, MotoGP lacks the personalities needed to make it exciting.
Q. Why isn’t MotoGP popular?
A. Motorcycling isn’t as popular as football. Even huge advertising budgets from Liberty Media can’t bridge the gap since most people feel disconnected from motorcycling. We live in a world with plenty of entertainment choices, so this difference is unlikely to change.
Q. Which is the fastest? MotoGP is faster. To give you an example. At the 2023 Misano MotoGP, the fastest lap time was 1:31.791 by Francesco Bagnaia with a top speed of 303.3 Km/h (188.46 mph) by Dani Pedrosa.
A. Which is quicker, MotoGP or Superbike?
MotoGP bikes are usually faster than Superbike models. They are designed specifically for racing and can reach top speeds more easily. Superbike, being based on consumer models, typically fall behind in speed compared to the high-tech MotoGP machines.
Q. Has anyone won F1 and MotoGP?
A. John Surtees is well-known for being the only person to win World Championships in both motorcycle racing and Formula 1 car racing.
