Toprak Razgatlioglu has finally made the bold switch from superbikes to MotoGP and will begin his journey with Pramac in 2026.
The Turkish rider has left BMW to take up an opportunity on a Yamaha bike in the premier class – something he has flirted with for some time.
Razgatlioglu’s availability drew interest, and now he will get the chance to test himself at the highest level on an improving bike.
The Yamaha isn’t the same slow machine it was last year, and has even shown race-winning potential at some rounds in the hands of Fabio Quartararo in 2025.
Despite the move being greeted well, Razgatlioglu has been warned of the ‘risks’ that he faces after making the transition. It’s not an easy gig.
The 2026 Pramac signing will ‘have to change’ if he wants to continue to be successful, and he will benefit from having the same parts on his bike as the factory team. It could be a big help.
Mat Oxley spots one ‘very interesting’ detail in Toprak Razgatlioglu’s 2026 MotoGP deal with Pramac
Insiders have made an incredible Razgatlioglu prediction and believe that it’s possible for him to win a race in his first season.
The last person to do that was none other than Marc Marquez, who also went on to win the championship that year (2013).
His teammate is undecided for 2026 currently, although Razgatlioglu could partner a new Pramac signing over either of their two current riders if a deal can be reached to sign Enea Bastianini from Tech3.
Mat Oxley has spotted one detail about the 28-year-old’s contract that he finds particularly interesting, given the extremity of such a move.
“He signed a one-year deal, which is very interesting with Prima Pramac. No mention of any second year, so we assume it’s a one-year deal because they would have said it’s a two-year deal if it was.”
What MotoGP experience does Toprak Razgatlioglu already have?
Razgatlioglu does have a little MotoGP experience, after completing an extensive test on a Yamaha M1 bike early in 2023.
The April outing at Jerez saw him clock more than 100 laps between two days, as he attempted to get up to speed with the new machinery.
Sadly, he didn’t do enough to prove that he deserved a ride, but his form on a BMW superbike has helped to forge an opportunity.
It has been confirmed that Razgatlioglu will start official testing the moment his current superbike season ends. He has finished second or higher in each of the last 15 races in the category.
Form and class are not in question. Now it’s down to adaptability. How quickly can he get up to speed, and can he match the likes of Quartararo?
