Yamaha has confirmed that Toprak Razgatlioglu will make his much-anticipated MotoGP debut with Pramac Yamaha in 2026, with no immediate pressure for instant results. The 28-year-old Turkish rider, 2021 World Superbike champion with Yamaha and current BMW title holder, is set to make a significant return to the Japanese manufacturer. This move marks the first time since 2009 that a WorldSBK champion is transitioning to MotoGP, following Ben Spies’ path.
Razgatlioglu has expressed the desire to prove himself during his rookie MotoGP season. Despite this, Yamaha’s management is clear that their focus lies on sustained development rather than rapid success.
A minimum of 44 MotoGP weekends for a measured development
Gianluca Pavesio, a Yamaha executive, highlighted that they anticipate Razgatlioglu’s adaptation to be a gradual process extending over at least a full two-year contract. He underlined the importance of a learning curve that aligns with the rider’s growth in performance.
When you sign a rider with that pedigree of course, he will look for performance,
Pavesio said.
He added that the team has discussed openly with Razgatlioglu the inevitable difficult moments and learning challenges ahead, emphasizing maturity and patience.
We are not giving him short-term targets. This is why we have a two-year deal. This is why we discussed with him already very openly, that there will be a learning curve. There will be, for sure, difficult moments. But he is mature enough to understand this, and for us it’s not five races to prove something. It’s at least a 44 MotoGP weekend journey where he needs to grow, understanding his performance.
And finally, if he can give some of the fun he has given to everyone in [WorldSBK], we will all be happy.
Adapting a daring riding style for MotoGP challenges
Razgatlioglu’s aggressive riding method, particularly his late braking, has earned him global admiration in the WorldSBK paddock. Yet, questions remain about how well this style will suit the distinct demands of MotoGP bikes.
Pavesio expressed confidence in Razgatlioglu’s ability to adjust to the new machinery, citing his successful switch from Yamaha’s R1 to the M1000RR in WorldSBK last season as proof of adaptability.
I don’t think he will change the way to ride a MotoGP bike, but for sure, when you see MotoGP, not everybody rides exactly the same,
he noted.
A champion is capable to adapt and combine his natural talent with what he has to do to make a bike as fast as possible.
Advantages of Pirelli tyre experience amid upcoming MotoGP changes
Razgatlioglu’s Pirelli tyre knowledge from WorldSBK is considered an added benefit, especially since MotoGP will switch from Michelin to Pirelli tyres starting in 2027. However, Pavesio clarified that the rider will not assume a dedicated testing role for tyre development during his rookie season.
I think this is a nice ‘add on’,
Pavesio explained.
For the moment we’re not planning to have a specific Toprak focus on Pirelli tyre development because he will have a lot to do already. He will be busy enough racing 22 rounds and developing himself inside MotoGP.
But there will be moments when the Pirelli tyres will be tested also by the factory riders and for sure in that moment his feedback would be particularly interesting, I would say. But he has not a ‘test rider’ job.
Impact of Razgatlioglu’s popularity on MotoGP’s reach to Turkey
The arrival of Razgatlioglu to MotoGP is expected to increase the sport’s exposure in Turkey, tapping into a large motorcycle market. Still, Yamaha insists that the decision is based on sporting merit rather than marketing.
This is like the Pirelli experience, it’s a nice side effect. But I want to say this very clearly, this is not a marketing move,
Pavesio emphasized.
With four factory riders already signed, the team prioritizes performance and talent above promotional considerations.
Obviously, being Turkish is nice because it’s opening another big growing country to the MotoGP audience. And obviously in Turkey there is a big motorcycle market. But this is just a positive side effect.
Uncertainty over engine and teammate selections for 2026
Yamaha is in the process of developing a new V4 engine to succeed its long-standing Inline4. Pavesio confirmed that no final decision has been made regarding which engine will be used by Razgatlioglu and other team riders in the upcoming seasons.
The development of the V4 machine, because this is a fully new machine, is ongoing,
he said.
He added that the team intends to race with the best possible bike, whether it remains the Inline4 or switches to the V4.
But I’m happy because we are also progressing with the Inline 4… Will go racing with the best bike we have.
While factory stars Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins will continue with Monster Yamaha, the composition of Razgatlioglu’s Pramac Yamaha teammate remains undecided. Current riders Jack Miller and Miguel Oliveira are candidates to continue, though Yamaha has not excluded a fresh line-up, potentially including Moto2 leader Manuel Gonzalez, a former Yamaha competitor.
Yamaha plans to announce decisions on riders and machinery by the summer break, which follows the Czech Grand Prix at Brno on July 20th.
Anticipating a defining period in Toprak Razgatlioglu’s career
Toprak Razgatlioglu’s entry into MotoGP represents a major step, not only for the rider’s career but also for Yamaha’s strategic plans and the sport’s growth into emerging markets like Turkey. With a patient, two-year development window and the challenge of adapting his distinctive riding style, Razgatlioglu faces a demanding yet promising path.
His experience with Pirelli tyres and rapid progression in WorldSBK offer Yamaha advantages that could influence future tyre transitions in MotoGP. Meanwhile, technical choices around engine platforms and teammate line-ups remain parameters to watch closely as the 2026 season approaches.
The unfolding story of Razgatlioglu’s MotoGP debut will hold significant interest among fans eager to see if he can translate his WorldSBK success to the sport’s premier class across an extensive, 44-race journey of learning and talent evolution.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why is MotoGP not so popular?
A. The unfortunate truth is that entertainment draws more attention than sports, and MotoGP is attempting to benefit from this trend. However, MotoGP currently lacks personalities that can make the sport exciting with drama.
Q. Has anyone won F1 and MotoGP?
A. Known for being the sole World Champion in both motorcycle racing and Formula 1, John Surtees excelled at riding bikes and driving race cars bravely.
Q. Did F1 buy MotoGP?
A. Now that F1 and MotoGP are both managed by Liberty, they oversee the top two global racing series. This change affects their governance, competition, and business strategies. Although the EU has approved the merger, there are still concerns about whether this leads to a single dominating entity in the market.
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A. A Formula 1 car can reach up to 205mph on the back straight at COTA, which is extremely fast. MotoGP bikes can hit 221mph, which is even faster. However, there’s a 25-second difference in lap times between these two racing series.
