Toprak Razgatlioglu will be testing a 2026 MotoGP bike for Pramac officially in less than six months.
The Turkish rider is set to make his eagerly anticipated switch from the World Superbike Championship, after years of rumours tying him to a move.
Razgatlioglu has a two-year deal with Pramac, which means that he will get a chance to ride a bike for the first season of the new regulations.
By then, he should be somewhat familiar with the MotoGP machinery, and will hopefully be boosted by a strong effort from Yamaha.
Razgatlioglu has received a boost in his 2026 preparation with BMW set to allow him to test when the Superbike season ends in October.
Currently, Yamaha could re-sign Jack Miller for 2026, but Pramac’s second rider is yet to be confirmed. They’re waiting for certain contract deadlines to pass first.
Photo by Fabrizio Carabelli/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty ImagesMany MotoGP riders ‘think’ that Toprak Razgatlioglu will win a race for Pramac
Razgatlioglu is ‘sad’ he won’t get to race against one MotoGP legend, but he will get to compete against some strong riders.
If Yamaha’s V4 bike is a genuine improvement, then competing for podiums at the very least cannot be ruled out.
Razgatlioglu has held private phonecalls with Marc Marquez and is excited to get the opportunity to race against him.
Speaking to SPEEDWEEK, Superbike rider Danilo Petrucci revealed how ‘many’ riders are backing the 28-year-old to win races after making his transition.
“The bikes are very different, and the first races will be difficult for him. The Michelin tires and the Grand Prix chassis are very stiff; they don’t give you much feedback. But it’s just a matter of feeling,” he said.
“Toprak is one of the greatest talents I’ve ever met. Many of today’s MotoGP riders think he’ll win races. I’ll be cheering him on; he’s a great guy! I’m happy he’s getting the chance to show his potential in MotoGP.”
How Toprak Razgatlioglu already has some experience on a MotoGP bike
While Razgatlioglu is fairly old for a debutant, his CV is impressive, and his dominance in Superbikes has helped him earn a gig.
Back in 2023, he completed 116 laps at Jerez for Yamaha, leaving their engineers impressed by his speed and commitment.
That was his second foray on the M1 bike, nearly one year after he completed 40 laps on it at Aragon, before being sent home early due to rain.
Although minor, those laps should help him adjust to the new machinery a little quicker and put him in a position to be competitive as soon as possible in 2026.
Razgatlioglu doesn’t have a chance of MotoGP promotion, but he will have the same equipment as Yamaha’s factory riders. He has a fair shot.