MotoGP Signs Toprak Razgatlioglu, the Turkish Speed Racing Sensation

With the arrival of the American multinational Liberty Media just around the corner, a move that will further boost the internationalization of the MotoGP World Championship, the event adds the Turkish Toprak Razgatlioglu to its roster of stars. The 28-year-old driver from Alanya, a two-time Superbike champion, has signed a two-year contract with Yamaha and will debut in 2026 with the Japanese manufacturer’s client team, Pramac Racing.

The arrival of this talented Turkish rider, one of the most renowned and spectacular motorcycle racers in the world, is a victory for the Spanish promoter Dorna and the championship’s new owners, who have the primary mission of reaching new audiences and expanding the following of the premier category in countries with less tradition in sports, especially in Asia and the Americas.

Razgatlioglu made his Superbike World Championship debut in 2018 with Kawasaki and achieved his first title in 2021 with Yamaha. Last year, he secured the first title in the discipline for BMW. In eight seasons, the Turk has competed in 237 races, accumulating 63 victories and 153 podiums with the three brands he has represented. In addition to his two championships, he was the runner-up in the category three times and is currently second this year.

“It has always been my dream to race in MotoGP, and I am very excited that this dream is becoming a reality,” said the Turkish rider after the contract was officially confirmed. Despite interest from other teams in the past, intrigued by the spectacular and aggressive style of the Turkish talent, Razgatlioglu had not fully convinced himself to make the leap right before the regulation changes coming in 2027 for MotoGP.

Yamaha’s plans with the rider foresee an adaptation season to the category, where the motorcycles are unique prototypes without any production replicas, unlike the production bikes that are the basis for Superbike.

“His move to MotoGP is both a return home and a new and exciting challenge, established with the clear goal of progressive growth over time,” commented Paolo Pavesio, Yamaha’s racing project director and the man who led the Turkish rider to his first SBK title. “His fighting spirit and determination are perfect both for the MotoGP team and for Yamaha’s bold strategy in MotoGP,” he added.

Pramac has not yet confirmed which seat the Turkish rider will occupy in 2026, as both Portuguese Miguel Oliveira and Australian Jack Miller are finishing their contracts with the satellite team of the brand.

The Turkish prodigy, the second driver with the most victories in Superbike history, will now seek to add a third crown to his résumé with BMW before making the definitive leap to MotoGP. There are seven races remaining this season, and he is 31 points behind leader Nicolo Bulega, who has just renewed his contract with Ducati and has become the official test rider for the Bologna factory’s MotoGP project.