Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP heads to Phillip Island for a special Australian Grand Prix, with Toprak Razgatlioglu ruled out and Augusto Fernandez stepping in.
This is a press release from Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP…
Toprak Razgatlioglu will miss the Australian Grand Prix following the injury sustained at Mandalika, with Yamaha test rider Augusto Fernandez set to replace him at Phillip Island. Meanwhile, Jack Miller prepares for his final home Grand Prix in MotoGP at a circuit hosting its last race on the championship calendar.
Two weeks after the difficult Indonesian Grand Prix, Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP returns to action at Phillip Island for a particularly significant weekend. Unfortunately, Toprak Razgatlioglu will be unable to take part following further medical examinations in Milan, which confirmed that the injury sustained in his high-side crash at Mandalika requires surgery. The procedure is scheduled for Monday, October 26, after which the Turkish rider will focus on his recovery. Yamaha test rider Augusto Fernandez is planned to step in for him at the Australian Grand Prix.
Despite Toprak’s absence, the weekend remains a special occasion for the team, and especially for Jack Miller. The 2026 Australian Grand Prix will mark his final home race in MotoGP after a career in the World Championship that began in 2011. The Australian will return to Phillip Island next year in the Superbike World Championship, but this weekend will be his last opportunity to race in front of his home fans in the premier class. The significance of the occasion is reflected in Turn 4, officially named Miller Corner in his honor in 2022.
Phillip Island has also been the setting for some memorable moments in Miller’s career. In 2014, he delighted his home fans by winning the Moto3 race in a thrilling finish, before returning to the podium in the premier class in 2019 with a third-place finish. These results have helped strengthen his special connection with the circuit, making this final MotoGP home Grand Prix an even more meaningful occasion.
Set against the spectacular scenery of the Bass Strait, Phillip Island is renowned for its fast, flowing layout and the exciting racing it produces. The 4.45km circuit first hosted a Motorcycle World Championship Grand Prix in 1989 and has been a regular fixture since 1997, becoming a favorite among riders and fans alike. Its combination of long corners, rapid changes of direction, and unpredictable conditions makes it a unique challenge. The 2026 event will provide a final opportunity for the MotoGP paddock to enjoy this legendary venue before the championship moves to Adelaide in 2027.
For Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP, the focus will be on making the most of this important weekend, supporting Fernandez as he steps in for Razgatlioglu and giving Miller the best possible opportunity to deliver a strong performance in front of his home fans. After a difficult run of races, the team will aim to continue working towards improved competitiveness while marking a memorable occasion in the history of MotoGP at Phillip Island.
Gino Borsoi | Team Director, Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP: “The Australian Grand Prix will be an important weekend for the whole team, and especially for Jack, as it will be his final home race in MotoGP. Naturally, we want to give him the opportunity to achieve a strong result in front of his home fans.
“Unfortunately, Toprak will not be able to race following his injury, and we are sorry to see him miss such an important event. Yamaha test rider Augusto Fernandez will step in for him this weekend, and we will do our best to support him as he joins the team. We wish Toprak all the best with his surgery and recovery, and hope to see him back on the bike as soon as possible.
“We are coming off a difficult period, and I believe the team deserves better results after all the hard work everyone has put in. At the same time, we know we need to do a better job ourselves and find ways to make the bike more competitive. I hope Phillip Island can be a turning point for the final part of the season, and we will work hard throughout the weekend to make another step forward.”
Jack Miller | Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP Rider: “I’m really looking forward to my home Grand Prix. It’s going to be a special weekend for both myself and the team, as it will be my last home race in MotoGP before moving to Superbikes, and also the last time MotoGP races at Phillip Island. This place has given me some great memories, so it’s going to be an emotional one. We’ve got something special planned for the fans, and I’m looking forward to sharing it with everyone and making the most of this weekend.
“It’s a shame Toprak won’t be able to join us this weekend. I know he was looking forward to riding here, so I wish him all the best with the surgery and recovery. Hopefully, he’ll be back feeling strong soon.”
Augusto Fernandez | Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP Rider: “First of all, I want to send my best wishes to Toprak for his recovery. I hope everything goes well with the surgery and that he can get back on the bike as soon as possible.
“For me, it’s really exciting to be back racing, especially with a great team like Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP. I’m looking forward to getting on the bike, starting to work with the team and doing my best over the next few races.”
