At BMW headquarters in Munich, the atmosphere was one of celebration and emotion: for the last time as a BMW factory rider, Toprak Razgatlioglu was honored on December 2nd, surrounded by the brand's management, engineers, and employees. A symbolic farewell to a chapter that has become historic.
After two successful years — including the recent 2025 Superbike World Championship title (and another in 2024) — "El Turco" is turning the page BMW to begin the MotoGP adventure as early as 2026.
For BMWToprak didn't just bring home titles; he restored the brand to a leading position in Superbike. After a sometimes difficult start, the end of the 2025 season was a demonstration of strength, culminating in a well-deserved championship.
During the departure ceremony, Razgatlioglu did not hide his emotion:
« We are parting ways after two incredible years of success… We have achieved our dreams, one by one. Two world titles. I'm going to miss you so muchThank you from the bottom of my heart. »
A powerful message, filled with gratitude, but also pride. The kind of statement that marks the end of one era… and the beginning of another.
A celebration at BMW worthy of Toprak Razgatlioglu's legacy
Leaving BMWToprak isn't just changing motorcycles: he's changing worlds. In 2026, he will be the rider of Pramac Racing on the new generation of the Yamaha . A move to MotoGP conceived as a long-term project, in order to prepare for the transition to the 2027 regulations (Pirelli tires, 850cc engine, etc.).
This transfer is neither a coincidence nor a golden retirement: it's a bold gamble. The kind of gamble that can redraw the boundaries between Superbike and MotoGP — a bridge between production-derived motorcycles and prototypes.
For BMW, the absence of Soil will raise questions. The brand had made him the face of its return to the top of Superbike; seeing him leave means accepting a void… but also a turning point: perhaps a conversion to other projects, or a reconstruction around new talents.
On the MotoGP side, the arrival of Soil with Yamaha This sends a strong signal: a proven rider, three-time SBK world champion, ready to learn and adapt, a full-scale test for the M1 before 2027, and a call for diversity of profiles and styles: Superbike vs. prototype, raw power vs. aerodynamics, style vs. consistency.
For Pramac As with Yamaha, it's a gamble to invest in talent, experience... and the unknown.
This departure marks a kind of “final act” for an extraordinary chapter: two world titles, record wins, and almost unchallenged dominance in SBK. But more than a farewell, it's above all a passing of the torch to a new dimension — that of MotoGP.
For Toprak RazgatliogluFor the SBK icon, a major challenge begins. MotoGPA new chapter will begin with him. And for the fans? A mixture of excitement, curiosity… and anticipation.
