Razgatlioglu joins Pramac Yamaha: A Shift That Stuns the Paddock
In an electrifying announcement shaking up the motorcycling world, two-time World Superbike Champion Toprak Razgatlioglu is set to transition to MotoGP in 2026. As Razgatlioglu joins Pramac Yamaha, he returns to a partnership with Yamaha, riding the coveted Yamaha M1 under the Prima Pramac Racing banner.
Razgatlioglu’s departure from the WorldSBK BMW Motorrad team at the close of the 2025 season comes after a remarkable tenure, highlighted by an outstanding championship victory in 2024, where he secured the German manufacturer’s first WorldSBK title. With his sights now set on a second consecutive championship with BMW before stepping onto the MotoGP grid, Razgatlioglu’s move signifies ambition and a relentless pursuit of excellence at the pinnacle of motorcycle racing.
Razgatlioglu joins Pramac Yamaha: A Career Built on Dominance
The Turkish phenom’s rise to global racing prominence began back in 2014 when he won his debut STK600 race. Dominating that series in 2015, he quickly progressed to STK1000, finishing runner-up in 2017. His performances earned him a spot with Kawasaki Puccetti Racing in WorldSBK, where he swiftly proved his mettle.
Joining Yamaha’s WorldSBK squad in 2020, Razgatlioglu reached new heights, notably claiming the 2021 WorldSBK Championship after a battle with Jonathan Rea and Scott Redding. His spell with Yamaha included testing MotoGP machinery in Aragon and Jerez.
When Razgatlioglu made a surprising leap to BMW for 2024, some questioned the wisdom of leaving Yamaha. However, the decision quickly silenced critics as he clinched BMW’s historic first WorldSBK title, setting a record with 13 consecutive wins despite missing two rounds due to injury.
Now, as Razgatlioglu joins Pramac Yamaha, he leaves WorldSBK as one of the most decorated riders ever: second-most wins (63), second-most podiums (264), and among the top ranks in poles and fastest laps.
Razgatlioglu Embraces the Ultimate Challenge
Reflecting on his impending switch, Razgatlioglu stated passionately, “It has always been my dream to race in MotoGP, and I’m very excited this dream is now coming true. Saying goodbye to BMW Motorrad Motorsport won’t be easy—I’ve felt at home here since day one. But winning another title with BMW would be the perfect way to say farewell to WorldSBK.”
His enthusiasm is matched by Yamaha’s Managing Director at Yamaha Motor Racing, Paolo Pavesio, who expressed great excitement: “We are thrilled to welcome Toprak back into the Yamaha family. His transition to MotoGP is both a ‘homecoming’ and an exciting new challenge designed for progressive growth. Toprak’s fighting spirit and determination perfectly match the Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP Team and our bold MotoGP strategy.”
Sven Blusch, Head of BMW Motorrad Motorsport, acknowledges the bittersweet nature of Razgatlioglu’s departure, stating: “It’s no secret we would have loved to extend his contract, but we understand his desire to seize this MotoGP opportunity. We remain focused together on the goal of successfully defending our WorldSBK title this season.”
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