Toprak Razgatlioglu‘s MotoGP call-up is finally official as Prima Pramac Yamaha confirms the two-time World Superbike champion’s highly anticipated move to the premier class for the 2026 season.
The announcement made just after the Aragon Grand Prix and ahead of the next WorldSBK round in Misano marks a significant turning point in both Razgatlioglu’s illustrious career and Yamaha’s strategic ambitions in MotoGP.
The Turkish superstar who has become synonymous with electrifying performances and relentless determination will return to the Yamaha fold after a brief but historic stint with BMW, where he secured his second WorldSBK title in 2024.
Yamaha’s statement read: “Yamaha is pleased to announce Razgatlıoglu’s return to Yamaha.
“The current WorldSBK champion and 2021 WorldSBK champion with Yamaha will make the jump to MotoGP in 2026, joining the Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP Team.”
Paolo Pavesio, Managing Director of Yamaha Motor Racing welcomed Razgatlioglu back into the Yamaha family.
“We are thrilled to welcome Toprak back into the Yamaha family,” Pavesio said. “Toprak, the most victorious Yamaha rider of all time in WorldSBK, has proven to be an exceptional talent, securing the WorldSBK championship title twice, which is no mean feat.
“His transition to MotoGP is both a ‘homecoming’ and an exciting new challenge that’s been set up with the clear goal of progressive growth over time.
“His fighting spirit and determination are a perfect fit for both the Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP Team and Yamaha’s bold MotoGP strategy, so we believe 2026 MotoGP is the right time to make the move that many fans have been waiting for.”
Razgatlioglu’s journey to MotoGP has been a story of steady ascent, remarkable achievements and unwavering ambition.
Having made his mark in the Superstock 600 and Superstock 1000 categories, Toprak’s early years were characterized by a blend of raw talent and fierce competitiveness.
His breakthrough came in 2014 when he clinched a one-off victory in the STK600 at Magny-Cours, followed by a dominant 2015 season where he won five races and stood on the podium in every outing, ultimately securing the championship.
Progressing to STK1000, he continued to impress, finishing as runner-up in 2017 and earning a coveted seat in WorldSBK with Kawasaki Puccetti Racing.
It was with Yamaha, however, that Razgatlioglu truly cemented his status as a world-class rider. Joining the Yamaha WorldSBK squad in 2020, he quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with, capturing his first WorldSBK title in 2021.
His aggressive riding style, late-braking prowess and ability to extract maximum performance from the YZF-R1 made him a fan favorite and a formidable competitor. Over his tenure with Yamaha, he amassed 37 race wins and became the most successful Yamaha rider in WorldSBK history.
The 2024 season saw Razgatlioglu make a bold switch to BMW, a move that surprised many in the paddock. Yet, true to form, Toprak adapted swiftly and led the Bavarian marque to its first-ever WorldSBK championship, further cementing his legacy.
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With 63 career victories, the 28-year old rider now stands joint-second on the all-time WorldSBK win list trailing only the legendary Jonathan Rea in podium finishes.
Toprak Razgatlioglu’s MotoGP ambitions have been no secret. He previously tested the Yamaha YZR-M1 back in 2023 during a weather-affected private session at Aragon and later at Jerez, impressing engineers and team management alike with his adaptability and feedback.
Despite the promising outings, a full-time MotoGP ride remained elusive—until now. The official confirmation of his signing with Prima Pramac Yamaha for 2026 MotoGP is not just a personal milestone for Razgatlioglu but also a strategic coup for Yamaha which has been seeking to inject fresh talent and renewed vigor into its project.
Pramac Yamaha is yet to announce his teammate for 2026. Current riders Miguel Oliveira and Jack Miller remain in contention with Miller reportedly favored to retain his seat due to his stronger performances this year.
