Toprak Razgatlioglu faces the same contractual issue as Marc Marquez and it could stop him joining Yamaha

Toprak Razgatlioglu is finally set to enter MotoGP. The World Superbikes champion is now expected to make his Grand Prix debut next year.

Razgatlioglu had been expected to wait until 2027 and the advent of the new regulations. That would have been a natural point to switch disciplines.

The two-time World Superbikes champion already has experience on Pirelli rubber. The Italian company will take over from Michelin in MotoGP in 18 months’ time.

But as he reaches the end of his BMW contract, Razgatlioglu has decided that now is the time. Due to turn 29 this year, he’s conscious of the career clock.

Toprak Razgatlioglu’s Red Bull deal could be a barrier to Yamaha factory team

Razgatlioglu is poised to join Pramac, the Yamaha satellite team. He won his first WSBK title with the Japanese manufacturer and also tested their MotoGP bike.

It’s said that Yamaha have promised Razgatlioglu the same bike as Fabio Quartararo, currently the brand’s biggest star. But he’s ‘excluded’ from partnering El Diablo at the factory team as it stands.

That’s because he’s a Red Bull athlete, and rival energy drink Monster are the title sponsors of Yamaha. Marc Marquez had to drop the logos of the Austrian company when he joined Ducati.

Ducati are also aligned with Monster, though not to the same extent as Yamaha. Unless Razgatlioglu is willing to take the same action, he may have to settle for an independent ride.

“It’s also worth pointing out as well that Toprak’s fully set in the Red Bull world,” Adam Wheeler said on the Paddock Pass podcast. “That would exclude his participation in the Monster Energy factory team with Fabio Quartararo.

“Alex Rins, as we know, has another year on his deal, although you could argue that in terms of performance, he could be for the chop along with Miguel Oliveira.

“If Toprak does maintain his Red Bull status, then Prima Pramac would be the most natural fit.”

How Toprak Razgatlioglu could replace Miguel Oliveira even though Pramac rider has a contract

Jack Miller would appear to be in real trouble if indeed Razgatlioglu to Pramac is confirmed. The Australian only signed a one-year deal.

However, team manager Gino Borsoi has hinted that Miller could stay. Despite the apparent security of a two-year contract, Oliveira could be a surprise casualty.

It’s emerged that Oliveira isn’t meeting a performance clause in his contract. With the start of his season compromised by injury, he still has time to change that.

Miller is being protected by Dorna given the importance of the Australian market. It’s unclear if Portuguese rider Oliveira will carry the same weight.