Prima Pramac Yamaha has announced it has secured the services of Turkish star Toprak Razgatlioglu for the 2026 MotoGP season.
The two-time WorldSBK Champion has long been tipped to move to MotoGP after having tested Yamaha’s MotoGP YZR-M1 while a factory Yamaha WorldSBK rider, but a recent foray with BMW Motorrad, with whom he secured the 2024 WorldSBK title, meant those plans were put on ice.
Razgatlioglu will now return to the Yamaha factory in the satellite Prima Pramac team with eyes on the second seat in the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing seat in 2027 when the rules change to 850cc engines with Pirelli tires and no ride height devices.
“We are thrilled to welcome Toprak back into the Yamaha family,” said Yamaha Motor Racing Managing Director, Paolo Pavesio. “Toprak, the most victorious Yamaha rider of all time in Superbike, has proven to be an exceptional talent, securing the WorldSBK 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 is the right time to make the move that many fans have been waiting for.”
Razgatlioglu’s teammate will likely be either one of current riders Miguel Oliveira or Jack Miller. Oliveira is on a two year contract, Miller just the one, but Miller has shown better pace than the injury-hit Oliveira this year and is favorite to retain his seat.
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