On January 13 in Siena, Pramac Yamaha became the first MotoGP team to showcase its 2026 livery, revealing the new race colours that Toprak Razgatlioglu will sport during his anticipated debut in the premier class. The unveiling marks a key moment for the Pramac Yamaha MotoGP 2026 livery, offering fans a glimpse of the future as Yamaha prepares for major technical changes and rising competition in the sport.
Razgatlioglu’s Move to MotoGP and the Anticipation Around His Debut
Pramac, the renowned Italian MotoGP squad, made headlines last year when it confirmed the signing of Toprak Razgatlioglu, a three-time World Superbike champion, to join its roster for the 2026 season. Razgatlioglu, widely recognized as a Turkish superstar in motorcycle racing, has been connected to a top-class grand prix switch for several seasons, carefully timing his arrival to align with both Pramac’s strong support from Yamaha and his own career trajectory.
Following his World Superbike title triumph last season, Razgatlioglu began preparing for his switch by participating in private Yamaha test sessions. He then emerged publicly on Yamaha machinery during the post-season MotoGP test in Valencia that November. Due to ongoing contractual obligations with BMW at the time, Razgatlioglu rode an unsponsored Yamaha, donning plain leathers with no branding or logos visible.
This past January, Razgatlioglu finally made his official debut in Pramac’s 2026 MotoGP colours at the team’s launch event in Siena. He was joined by his teammate Jack Miller at the presentation, as both riders gear up for the next step in their campaign—the upcoming pre-season shakedown and initial testing sessions at Sepang later in the month.
Major Changes for Yamaha and the 2026 Season
The 2026 MotoGP campaign represents a turning point not only for Pramac but also for the broader Yamaha effort. The Japanese manufacturer has decided to transition from its signature inline-four engine to a V4 configuration—a move designed to increase competitiveness against rivals. Yamaha had initially unveiled its V4 project in 2024, with test rider Augusto Fernandez debuting the prototype at the San Marino Grand Prix the previous September.
During the remainder of last season, this V4 bike was entered as a wildcard at rounds in Misano, Sepang, and Valencia, although Yamaha has yet to unleash the engine’s full capabilities in race conditions. As this transition unfolds, the company faces the additional challenge of convincing 2021 world champion Fabio Quartararo to continue with the squad beyond 2026. Yamaha has acknowledged that much of the 2026 season will focus on developing the V4 bike, rather than simply aiming for race victories, which could influence contract negotiations not only with Quartararo but also with other top-tier riders.
A Season of Team Launches and Testing Schedules
The Pramac livery launch acts as the kickoff for a busy pre-season period, as rival teams prepare their own unveilings and testing programs. The VR46 team will reveal its colours on Wednesday, with Aprilia following suit on Thursday. Ducati’s launch event is scheduled for January 19, while both Yamaha and Trackhouse are set for January 21. The KTM and Tech3 teams are sharing a launch event on January 27, after which Gresini will hold its reveal in Malaysia on January 31. Honda and LCR wrap up the series of launches on February 1 and 2, respectively.
Testing activities will soon follow, starting with the Sepang shakedown from January 29 to 31. This session welcomes test riders, MotoGP rookies, and manufacturers in concession rank D, like Yamaha. Shortly afterward, the first official MotoGP test of the year runs at Sepang from February 3 to 5, before teams travel to Buriram for a second test window on February 21 and 22. These sessions are crucial for refining setups and evaluating new machinery, including Yamaha’s V4.
The Broader Implications for MotoGP in 2026
Pramac Yamaha’s early livery reveal not only places the team in the spotlight but also underscores the significance of technical evolution and strategic rider acquisitions as MotoGP heads toward a transformative 2026. With Toprak Razgatlioglu’s debut and Yamaha’s commitment to innovation, the stage is set for a season full of anticipation and intense competition. The results of pre-season testing and the ability to develop the new V4 may determine leaders of the next MotoGP chapter, as Yamaha, Pramac, and their competitors look to leave a lasting mark on the sport.
