The secret is no longer a secret: Toprak Razgatlioglu will join MotoGP in 2026. The Turkish rider, currently competing with BMW in Superbike, will make his debut in the premier class with the Pramac Yamaha team. Present at Balaton last weekend, he spoke to GPOne, discussing this major turning point in his career for the first time with clarity.
« I have always experienced great things in Superbike and I am still very happy about it today. At BMW, I found a real family. But my dream has always been MotoGP.This year, the opportunity was real. I couldn't let it pass me by. "He says.
The world champion WSBK The title holder makes no secret of the fact that the official announcement of his arrival was a relief. Knowing that he will have a two-year contract to finally make his dream come true takes a lot of pressure off.
« Now I can fully concentrate on the rest of the season. We're competitive with BMW, we're winning, we're leaders... I want to finish strong before turning the page »
Toprak knows, however, that he will be in for a radical change of scenery. Gone are the days of the SBK paddock, where he moves freely from one box to another. In MotoGP, the structure is much more rigid. I know it will be very different. But I'm ready to face it all. »
Toprak Razgatlioglu: “ Some will criticize me, but I know why I do it: it's my biggest challenge »
And he has no illusions about his short-term results: “In SBK, even if I have a bad weekend, I can aim for the podium. In MotoGP, I will have to fight for a 13th place, an 8th if all goes wellSome will criticize me, but I know why I do it: it's my biggest challenge.. »
To those wondering about the current potential of the Yamaha M1, Razgatlioglu responds lucidly: " I follow the races, I know the difficulties. But for now, I'm 100% with BMW. I'll analyze all that once I'm in the saddle. And in 2027, everything will change with the new regulation »
He also discussed his relationship with Marc Marquez, whom he deeply admires: “ Marc is a great championHe went through hell, but he came back on top. We talk often. He knows how excited I am. It will be an honor to race against him. »
As for the idea of one day riding a Ducati? Who knows... maybe one day you'll see me on a Ducati. » And if he considers a return to Superbike? " Honestly, I don't know. I have a two-year contract, My dream is to win in MotoGP. Afterwards, we'll see what the future holds for me. »
