On Wednesday, the Superbike paddock was on fire: Motoetkinlik.com swore that Toprak Razgatlioglu (BMW) had signed with Honda for the 2026 MotoGP, or even as early as 2025 via wild cards. The problem? Neither the Turk, nor his manager Kenan Sofuoglu, nor Honda saw this contract coming! In Portimão, where the European WSBK starts this weekend, Toprak put out the fire with a burst of laughter. While Austin is thrilled on the eve of his Grand Prix of the Americas, this rumor has been crushed – but the rider's MotoGP dream remains very much alive!
The world of motorsports has been rocked this week by a persistent rumor: Toprak Razgatlioglu would have signed with Honda to make his arrival in MotoGP in 2026However, this information turns out to be completely unfounded, as confirmed by the Turkish pilot himself with his usual sense of humor.
« It's not true, but it's funny!" , said Razgatlioglu from the World Superbike Championship paddock at the Algarve Autodrome. The rider BMW, visibly amused by this rumor, even said that his brother had called him to verify the information. His teammate Michael van der Mark did not fail to add a touch of humor by claiming that Toprak would even participate in the last three Grands Prix of the MotoGP season!
Behind this apparent lightness, however, lies a more complex reality. Kenan Sofuoglu, manager of the Superbike world champion, maintains a clear position: if Toprak makes the jump to MotoGP, it will be exclusively with an official team. Satellite structures, even well-supported ones like Tech3 (KTM), Pramac (Yamaha) or TrackHouse (Aprilia), are not among the options being considered. We are not in talks with any teams or brands at this time. " Toprak said. " I dream of MotoGP, yes, but I'm waiting for the right opportunity. ».
Toprak Razgatlioglu: “ I'm free in 2025, but I don't know yet what I'll do »
The current situation in the MotoGP rider market, however, makes this transition tricky. With most of the important positions already locked in until 2026, opportunities appear limited. Luca marini in Honda, whose contract expires at the end of 2025, remains the only potential opening, but no discussions have been confirmed by either side. I'm free in 2025, but I don't know what I'll do yet. " recalls the Turk.
The strained relations between Razgatlioglu et Ducati add another dimension to this story. After calling the Superbike championship the "Ducati Cup," the Turk takes a dim view of the Italian brand's overwhelming dominance in MotoGP, where five of the top six in the championship ride Desmosedicis. However, he readily acknowledges the exceptional qualities of the Borgo Panigale bike: " everyone wants to ride a Ducati; it's a very good bike. » He also emphasized on Todocircuito that Ducati did not seem interested in his services.
The horizon 2027 could, however, change everything. With the arrival of new regulations (reduction to 850cc, limitation of aerodynamics, reduction of electronic aids) and the switch to tires Pirelli, the MotoGP landscape could radically transform. A development that could play in favor of Razgatlioglu, perfectly accustomed to Italian tires in Superbike.
For now, the Turkish rider remains focused on his Superbike season with BMW, while keeping an eye on developments in the MotoGP rider market. One thing is certain: if Toprak's dream ever comes true, it will only be on his terms and within a perfectly controlled framework. In the meantime, the paddock can continue to speculate... and Toprak can continue to smile at these rumors, which don't seem to bother him too much.
