Toprak Razgatlioglu will finally make the move from World Superbikes to MotoGP in 2026 after signing up to ride a factory Yamaha for the brand’s satellite team Pramac.
The 28-year-old is already one of the all-time icons of the World Superbikes paddock, but is still to show his immense skills in MotoGP. Razgatlioglu had previously rejected moves to the prototype series as they were not factory deals, but will be a works Yamaha rider at Pramac.
Razgatlioglu will get a full factory Yamaha bike at Pramac when he moves over from WSBK in 2026. Although his plan is not to pursue immediate success when he hits the grid next term. He wants to learn the circuits and the series for the 850cc rules in the 2027 MotoGP season.
Danilo Petrucci thinks Toprak Razgatlioglu must change his ‘characteristics’ in MotoGP
While Razgatlioglu has taken the second-most race wins in World Superbikes history with 64 to trail only Jonathan Rea with 119, the Turkish talent has not raced at a raft of the tracks on the MotoGP calendar. But Razgatlioglu might even need to change his approach in MotoGP.
Danilo Petrucci is a huge admirer of the new Pramac Yamaha signing, with the former Ducati MotoGP rider convinced that Razgatlioglu is ‘one of the best’ racers he has encountered. But the Italian also believes the 28-year-old will need to change his ‘characteristics’ next season.
READ MORE: Everything to know about Toprak Razgatlioglu from net worth to nickname
Petrucci told GPOne: “I’m very happy for him. I consider him a very good person and one of the best talents I have ever met. I’m very curious to see him in MotoGP.
“I think he can be very fast. Adapting won’t be easy, but I think he is making this move at the right time. Plus, he has won two titles, so I think he’ll be able to handle the pressure of expectations. A guy like him deserved such a chance.
“He doesn’t lack anything to be competitive there, as well, although the pace is very different and it will take a lot of patience and specific guidance.
“He’s going to get there, and he’s going to have to change some of his characteristics. But he’s a strong rider and he’s very talented.”
Toprak Razgatlioglu will learn a new Yamaha bike, new tracks and new tyres in MotoGP in 2026
Petrucci is not alone in thinking Razgatlioglu will have to adapt once on the MotoGP grid in 2026 with Pramac. Jorge Lorenzo thinks Razgatlioglu would have suited a Ducati or a Honda bike more than the Yamaha YZR-M1 on which Lorenzo won the title in 2010, 2012 and 2015.
He will also have to adapt to the Michelin tyres that MotoGP uses before the series switches to Pirelli in 2027, which will be a big benefit for Razgatlioglu and Yamaha. He races on Pirelli tyres in World Superbikes, so Yamaha will use his help to develop their 850cc bike for 2027.
Razgatlioglu cannot join the factory Yamaha team due to his Red Bull sponsorship, with the Iwata outfit sponsored by Monster. It also means that no matter how well he adapts to the YZR-M1, he cannot graduate to the works team in 2027 unless Razgatlioglu leaves Red Bull.
