Two-time World Superbike champion (2021, 2024) Toprak Razgatlioglu, 28, is at the heart of speculation about a possible move to MotoGP for 2026, but Yamaha, despite a long-standing relationship with the Turk, is taking a cautious stance. Razgatlioglu's manager Kenan Sofuoglu had wanted clarification before mid-May 2025, but Yamaha, led by Paolo Pavesio, is holding off, preferring to evaluate its current riders before the summer break. Here are the reasons for this reluctance, highlighted by Pavesio's comments at the 2025 French Grand Prix.
While Kenan Sofuoglu hoped for definitive clarification on the future of Toprak Razgatlioglu in MotoGP by mid-May, Yamaha responded with a calculated silence, preferring to wait until the summer break to decide. Despite an impressive record in Superbike – 61 wins, 150 podiums, two titles – and a MotoGP test in 2023, the Turkish rider remains on the sidelines in the immediate plans of the Japanese manufacturer.
Paolo Pavesio, successor to Lin Jarvis at the head of Yamaha motor racing, calm things down: " It is still too early to judge our current drivers, especially Miguel Oliveira who is returning from injury. » In short, Toprak will not benefit from any special treatment, despite the media pressure orchestrated by Sofuoglu : " I have known Kenan and Toprak very well for six years. I'm very familiar with Kenan's approach to the media, but he speaks to us differently.Fortunately, the situation is a little different from what he presents to the media. »
Paolo Pavesio Yamaha: " Toprak Razgatlioglu has talent, that's obvious, but MotoGP requires adaptation, consistency and strategy. »
The dilemma Yamaha is clear: betting on the future with Razgatlioglu, which has not yet proven itself on a MotoGP prototype, or leave time to Olive tree et Miller, whose 2025 performance is very average, but whose contracts are still running.
In parallel, BMW tries to keep its jewel in WSBK by offering it a long-term project, while Honda observes the situation. The place of Luca marini in the official team is increasingly fragile, and Toprak's name is circulating behind the scenes.
Pavesio sums up the dilemma well on speedweek : " Toprak has talent, that's obvious. But MotoGP requires adaptation, consistency, and strategy. » Yamaha , scalded by the failed transitions of other Superbike champions, does not want to rush but keeps in touch: " Toprak and Yamaha will always have a good relationship ; he is the only rider besides Ben Spies to have won a Superbike title with us. These are very good memories for us, he remains the rider who has won the most races for Yamaha ».
So nothing is excluded, but the door of MotoGP for Razgatlioglu will not open with an ultimatum. It may open… at the right time, and if all the lights are green.
