The announcement of Toprak Razgatlioglu's arrival at Prima Pramac Yamaha for 2026, confirmed on June 10, 2025, continues to thrill the paddock, particularly during this WSBK weekend at Misano. Yamaha Motor Racing CEO Paolo Pavesio detailed this strategic move during a press conference at the Misano World Circuit. He sheds light on Razgatlioglu's choice, the challenges he faces, and the implications for both Pramac and Yamaha.
The passage of Toprak Razgatlioglu in MotoGP with Prima Pramac Yamaha from 2026 is no longer a secret. Present at Misano for the Italian round of WorldSBK, the Turkish rider confirmed that he will finally live his dream of joining the premier class. On this occasion, Paolo Pavesio, General Manager of Yamaha Europe, detailed the reasons for this choice and the prospects of the project.
« We chose Toprak because he is the ideal candidate for this MotoGP adventure, " said Pavesio at a press conference. “ He has the talent, the mentality and the potentialWe didn't want to deny him, us or the fans this opportunity. »
While Razgatlioglu is assured of one of the two Pramac handlebars, Jack Miller et Miguel Oliveira are fighting for the other place. We will make a decision before the summer break., " has explained Pavesio. " Miguel was held back by his injury, Jack stepped up. But we're not making any comparisons: Our choice will depend on who best completes this project. »
Toprak had tested the Yamaha M1 at Aragon in 2022 and in Jerez in 2023, without convincing. at the time, we weren't readyThese tests were not representative of his potential or ours. Since then, we have restructured our racing department. Today, the context is completely different »
Paolo Pavesio: " It would be unrealistic to expect Toprak Razgatlioglu to win as soon as he arrives »
Pavesio tempers expectations: " It would be unrealistic to expect him to win as soon as he arrives. What we want is for him to learn, for him to progress.He knows the difficulties of MotoGP and is mature enough to face them.. » An approach that highlights this analysis by Chico Lorenzo on the subject: " he will go through a difficult period…He beat in WSBK all those who leave MotoGP, who no longer have a place in MotoGP, and who end up there. And I think this young man is going to have a difficult time. »
Asked about a possible promotion at Monster Energy Yamaha by 2027, Pavesio was clear: “ there is no predefined plan. Pramac is a factory team, with the same motorcycles and the same technical support. The atmosphere will be more family-oriented, which is perfect for your debut »
Pavesio insisted: the Turkish passport of Soil played no role. This is not a marketing ploy. We have chosen a valuable driver. Yamaha is looking for high-performing talent, not sales profiles »
BMW, with whom Razgatlioglu still playing for the title in WorldSBK, will allow him to start testing MotoGP as soon as the season ends. He brought a title to BMW. They respect his choice.. » It will be recalled that when Toprak moved from Yamaha à BMW in WSBK, Yamaha , by way ofAndrea Dosoli, on the contrary, had not authorized its World Champion to take the first turns on the M1000RR before the end of the calendar year and in his contract with the R1...
By recruiting Toprak Razgatlioglu for 2026, Yamaha is betting on an ambitious but promising bet. The Turk is preparing to leave a paddock he loves deeply to realize his MotoGP dream, with the full support of the brand with the three tuning forks.
