Let's Talk MotoGP: Here's Why Yamaha Is Taking a Huge Risk

It's been official for over a week now: Toprak Razgatlioglu will join Pramac Yamaha in MotoGP, starting in 2026. There's obviously a lot to say about this anachronistic transfer, and I must admit I wasn't expecting it.

 

Toprak at Pramac Yamaha in MotoGP, a surprise?

 

Yes, I was quite surprised by this announcement. It had been in the pipeline for a while, but for several years now, Toprak has been regularly announced for the premier class without it happening. Obviously, given his age – a factor I'll discuss later – I thought it was too late. But no, Yamaha, through its satellite team, has decided to recruit Toprak for the 2026 season. It must be said that this is completely against the grain, because the riders who came from Moto2 are ultimately very good in MotoGP. For a long time, Superbike has been a separate championship, which no longer has the vocation to bring new players to the forefront. It's quite the opposite, because, sad to say, it's currently a refuge for those who haven't succeeded in the world championship or who are too old to be there. Unfortunately, there are plenty of examples.

 

 

This is why this transfer is almost anachronistic. Who is the latest notable defector? Cal Crutchlow comes from that world, specifically Supersport, but has only competed in one full season in Superbike, which is why he is incomparable to Toprak. I can't think of anyone else but Ben Spies, who was absolutely incredible in WSBK during the 2009 season. MotoGP, while he benefited from a very good official Yamaha handlebar, he never really exploded, and even disappointed a lot. His career at the highest level ended only a few races after the start of the 2013 season, that's saying something. Okay, there's a victory at Assen and a nice second place at Valencia, but at a time when only four or five machines could win. We shouldn't rewrite history because his helmet was magnificent: Spies' move to MotoGP was a failure.

 

A big risk

 

Honestly, I don't really understand this decision. I find it difficult to understand what Toprak Razgatlioglu could bring to the Japanese company., and this for several reasons. First, he is old enough to arrive in MotoGP: At 28 years old, he is no longer young., and therefore, less inclined to absorb new information. I do not deny his great talent, which allowed him to win two WSBK titles, but I already said in a previous article that I did not have a high opinion of this category, far inferior to what it was in the early 2000s. Toprak wins, puts on a show and celebrates, yes, but in front of whom? Alvaro Bautista, 40 years old, who no longer had a place in MotoGP when he made the transition? Nicolo Bulega, who missed his move to the world championship? Danilo Petrucci – third in the championship –, who also no longer had an option to stay in MotoGP? That doesn't impress me much, but don't see it as a lack of respect. I just think Superbike is a step below ; the Turk can't do anything about it.

Therefore, choosing Toprak in 2025 is a big risk, because Yamaha has a project to take on. Iwata certainly has plenty of resources, but This is no reason to waste opportunities.. Given that the bike has been performing quite well for a few races, notably thanks to the individual exploits of Fabio Quartararo, I would have liked to see a young wolf from Moto2 at the controls. Someone who brings a certain freshness, an explosiveness, a bit like Pedro Acosta in 2024. Once again, I regret that Yamaha is not interested in Aron Canet who has been one of the most consistent riders in the world championship in all categories since the beginning of his career. The Moto2 grid is full of immense talent: you only have to look at where Fermin Aldeguer is now, having been overtaken by the competition in 2024Even more incredible: Championship leader Manuel Gonzalez isn't even at the center of the rumors. The test offered by Trackhouse Aprilia was just a gift, as apparently the team isn't looking for fresh blood at the moment.

 

 

In my opinion, Toprak's arrival further restricts access to the top category, which is not beneficial. There is no indication that he will truly perform: during his only MotoGP test, he had not particularly shoneLet's hope Yamaha doesn't shoot itself in the foot with this gamble, because I'm sure the Moto2 field is full of more reliable talent that was hard to ignore.

 

Obvious advantages

 

It's not all doom and gloom either. The tuning fork company has not only recruited a very good Superbike rider, but also a superstar, appreciated all over the world. Aside from Marc Marquez and Fabio Quartararo, no one currently has as much international appeal. Toprak is driven by a sense of spectacle, which is also allowed because he plays up front, of course.Having it with you is the assurance of benefiting from crazy media exposure, which is never negligible from an economic point of view.

Furthermore, it must be remembered that he is Turkish : the country straddling Asia and Europe is a huge market that is underrepresented in motorsports. There, he is an icon, and an interesting ambassador for anyone who employs him, of course.

 

Conclusion

 

I can easily understand why his profile would interest a MotoGP team.. Toprak is a unique character in the motorcycling world, but I simply think that recruiting him is not such a good idea at this stage of the Yamaha project. I will have the opportunity to talk about it again, but unfortunately I think that he will not succeed in imposing his personality in the premier class. After all, let him prove me wrong!

I'm curious to know what you think about Toprak's upcoming arrival. Tell me in the comments!

 

 

Cover photo: Toprak Razgatlioglu