In a move that has been a long time coming, two-time World Superbike (WorldSBK) champion Toprak Razgatlioglu will race in MotoGP next year onwards. The Turkish rider will join Yamaha’s factory-supported satellite squad, Prima Pramac Racing. Although, the duration of his contract and who he will be joining is unconfirmed as of now.
- Razgatlioglu won the WorldSBK title with Yamaha in 2021
- MotoGP to switch from Michelin to Pirelli tyres in 2027
- Bulega also signs to become Ducati MotoGP test rider in 2026
Toprak joins Pramac Yamaha for 2026 MotoGP debut
Two-time WorldSBK champion with Yamaha and BMW
Razgatlioglu has strong ties with Yamaha, with whom he won the WorldSBK title in 2021 before moving to BMW in 2024. “We are thrilled to welcome Toprak back into the Yamaha family. Toprak, the most victorious Yamaha rider of all time in Superbike, has proven to be an exceptional talent, securing the WorldSBK Title twice, which is no mean feat,” said Paolo Pavesio, Yamaha Motor racing managing director.
While Razgatlioglu will join Yahama’s satellite squad next year, it is understood that he has signed a factory contract, paving the way for him to move up to the factory team should he impress. Pavesio hinted at this as well, saying, “His transition to MotoGP is both a ‘homecoming’ and an exciting new challenge that’s been set up with the clear goal of progressive growth over time.”
While Toprak had done a couple of private tests aboard the Yamaha MotoGP machine back in 2023 – one at Aragon where the weather played spoilsport and the other at Jerez – nothing came of those tests until now. The Turk’s move to MotoGP is more than just good strategy, it also is a clever move from a marketing standpoint, introducing a charismatic rider into one of the biggest spectacles in two-wheeler racing.
Moreover, MotoGP will switch from Michelin to Pirelli tyres in 2027. Since Razgatlioglu has an intimate understanding of Pirelli rubber (which are used in WorldSBK), his inputs will be worth their weight in gold in developing the 2027 850cc Yamaha MotoGP motorcycle.
Bulega to join Ducati’s MotoGP test team
Another interesting development from the WorldSBK paddock is that Razgatlioglu’s 2025 title rival, Nicolo Bulega, has also signed to become a Ducati MotoGP test rider in 2026. Bulega is currently top dog in the WorldSBK standings and Ducati may elect to move him into MotoGP full time, come the 850cc era in 2027. This would see two of the fastest racers in the WorldSBK paddock make a move to premier class racing in the new age of MotoGP.
Currently, Yamaha’s MotoGP project is making upward strides and shows glimmers of promise in the hands of 2021 MotoGP world champion Fabio Quartararo. Most notably when he was leading the British GP a few weeks ago before a failed ride height device forced him to retire.
Also see:
