Toprak Razgatlioglu MotoGP preparations took an unconventional turn this week as the Pramac Yamaha newcomer honed his skills in a WRC2 rally car, showcasing his dedication to adapting ahead of his MotoGP debut. The recent World Superbike champion teamed up with Turkish rally drivers to further develop his technical abilities before joining the premier class.
Transition From World Superbikes to MotoGP Begins
After securing a third World Superbike title with a dramatic win over Ducati’s Nicolo Bulega at Jerez last October, Razgatlioglu is preparing to make his highly anticipated switch to MotoGP. He signed a multi-year agreement with Yamaha, which places him on the Pramac satellite team. This transition marks a significant step in his motorcycle racing career and has made his pre-season especially busy as he adjusts to the demands of top-level road racing.
Rally Training Sessions With Leading Turkish Drivers
This week, Razgatlioglu joined forces with acclaimed Turkish rally drivers, Burak Baslik and Caglayan Celik, to drive a Skoda WRC2-spec car. Sharing insights on his Instagram account, he posted a video detailing his rally day, highlighting how these off-road experiences form a fun yet challenging part of his MotoGP readiness. He expressed his appreciation for the rally session:
“We closed the day without any flip-flops. Thank you Burak Baslik and Caglayan Celik for this fun day.”
– Toprak Razgatlioglu, Pramac Yamaha rider
Recent Media Attention and Public Engagements
Razgatlioglu recently gained public attention with a guest appearance and performance on the Turkish edition of The Voice, further building anticipation ahead of the racing season. He is set to be revealed in Pramac’s new livery for the 2026 MotoGP season at a launch event in Siena on January 13, where he will join new teammate Jack Miller. This event marks Pramac’s ongoing partnership with Yamaha and Razgatlioglu’s first official appearance in team colors.
First Track Experience and Upcoming Testing Plans
Razgatlioglu conducted his MotoGP test debut last November at Valencia, where he showcased promise on Yamaha’s updated V4 M1, clocking in just 1.3 seconds off the top pace and finishing 18th overall. Yamaha has not released a full schedule for upcoming tests, but it is likely that Razgatlioglu will participate in the Sepang shakedown at the end of January, an opportunity reserved for rookies, test riders, and those with manufacturers holding D-tier concessions, which includes Yamaha.
Looking Ahead to a New MotoGP Season
Razgatlioglu’s innovative pre-season, featuring rally car experience and strong early test performances, illustrates his commitment to making a remarkable entrance into MotoGP. With events in Siena and planned appearances at crucial testing sessions, the motorcycle racing community will be watching closely to see how his skills translate from World Superbikes and rally circuits to the demanding world of MotoGP competition.
