Toprak Razgatlioglu has completed his long-awaited move to MotoGP as he signs with Pramac for the 2026 season.
The Turkish World Superbike rider will return to Yamaha next year, having won the WSBK title with the manufacturer in 2021. Razgatlioglu had spent four years with Yamaha before moving to BMW in 2024, where he secured his second title.
The 28-year-old has been linked with a move over to MotoGP all season, with Honda rivalling their fellow compatriots for his signature. But it is Yamaha that have sealed the deal, with Razgatlioglu joining their satellite outfit Pramac.
Razgatlioglu has secured a clause similar to Fabio Quartararo that will see him have ‘identical machinery’ to the 2021 MotoGP champion. The Turkish rider’s talents in WSBK make him an incredibly exciting prospect in the premier class.
WSBK insiders predict Toprak Razgatlioglu to win on his MotoGP debut with Pramac
The hype surrounding Razgatlioglu’s move to MotoGP is immense. He brings significant commercial value to the sport with his support in Turkey, bringing an entirely new fanbase to the premier class.
His success in WSBK has led many to believe that Razgatlioglu will be able to make an immediate impact in MotoGP, despite having to learn a new bike and new tyres.
In a report from The Race, some people in the WSBK paddock rate the reigning champion to a huge degree. So much so that they ‘think he could win on his MotoGP debut’ with Pramac.
Claiming victory in his first race in the premier class would be an unbelievable feat, especially considering he has never ridden in the category before. But as the report pointed out, ‘expectations should be kept under control’ as 2026 will be a ‘learning year’ for Razgatlioglu and Yamaha.
READ MORE: Everything to know about Toprak Razgatlioglu from net worth to nickname
Toprak Razgatlioglu has been warned about trying to compete at the front of MotoGP straight away
Pramac are yet to decide on the Turkish rider’s teammate for next season. Jack Miller is battling Miguel Oliveira for the second seat, but Enea Bastianini could partner with Razgatlioglu as he is ‘about to’ terminate his contract with KTM Tech3.
While Quartararo has shown strong performance for Yamaha in 2025 with three consecutive pole positions at Jerez, Le Mans and Silverstone, the manufacturer lacked the pace of the Ducatis at the front. Pramac have struggled for results, sitting bottom of the standings with 37 points.
Razgatlioglu could well be the rider they need, but as per a report from Motorsport.com, he will face ‘more pressure than he’s ever faced’. He will be entering ‘a paddock where rivals are eager to see if he can live up to the hype’.
One paddock insider has warned Razgatlioglu about trying to fight at the front of MotoGP straight away: ““How he approaches the challenge will make all the difference. If he sets his sights on immediately running with the front guys, it could backfire.
“For him, success would be about steady progress throughout the season – finishing 2026 in a much stronger place than where he started.”
