It was no longer a secret in the paddock, but it's now official: Toprak Razgatlioglu is moving to MotoGP with Yamaha, putting an end to a persistent rumor that had been raging behind the scenes at MotoGP and WorldSBK in recent weeks. The announcement was made with a bang, with Toprak appearing alongside Yamaha Motor Racing's new executive director, Paolo Pavesio, formerly in charge of WSBK... and the man who led him to the world title.
The Turkish rider, undisputed star of Superbike, will make his debut in 2026 in the Team Pramac, today powered by Yamaha . Great news for the fans, but a headache for the team: who to Jack Miller ou Miguel Oliveira will have to give up his place? Or worse... both of them?
While Yamaha shows a big smile, Ducati responds with a strategic counterattack: Nicholas Bulega, their young WSBK prodigy, remains in the red house. Ducati managed to make him refuse the XXL offer of BMW to replace Soil, holding out a golden carrot to him: a future in MotoGP via the test team Ducati directed by Michele Pirro. And not to test just anything: the new 850cc motorcycle, equipped with future tires Pirelli MotoGP. Perfect for a rider trained in WSBK.
MotoGP gains in spectacle, but WSBK could pay the price
Another masterclass signed Gigi Dall'Igna, who is already building the future while others are plugging the gaps. Because on the side of BMW, it's a total blur. After losing Soilthen Open up, the German brand is reconsidering its commitment to WSBK. The idea of a transfer to MotoGP is back on the table, even thoughAlvaro Bautista, although free, did not convince in Munich.
And it's not just an internal crisis: the WSBK holds its breath. The loss of its greatest driver and perhaps that of a major manufacturer could be very hard blows for a championship already in the shadow of the MotoGP.
The next few weeks will be decisive. The transfer market is in turmoil, manufacturers are redrawing their cards, and MotoGP–WSBK balance is more fragile than ever. The war of the worlds has been declared.
