The two-time WorldSBK champion will race in MotoGP from 2026 after penning a contract with Yamaha
The news is finally official: Toprak Razgatlioglu will be a MotoGP rider in 2026! The double WorldSBK champion has signed a contract with Yamaha as the Turk gets set to race in Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP colours from next season.
The breaking news falls just after the Aragon GP and ahead of the next round of WorldSBK action in Misano, and on the same day as his 2025 title rival, Nicolo Bulega, penned a deal to become a Ducati MotoGP Test Rider in 2026 too.
The MotoGP debut we’ve all been waiting! ☄️? @toprak_tr54 will make the move in 2026, joining @pramacracing ?????
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? https://t.co/pz58lXKsIH#YamahaFactoryRacing | #MotoGP | #WorldSBK | #TR54 | #PrimaPramacYamaha pic.twitter.com/iNenvPBthe
Razgatlioglu, who won the WorldSBK title in 2021 with Yamaha, has previously tested the YZR-M1 back in 2023, first in a weather-affected Aragon private test before the Turk spun plenty of laps in Jerez. However, that eagerly anticipated MotoGP switch for one of motorcycle racing's true superstars never came - until now.
Paolo Pavesio, Yamaha Motor Racing Managing Director: “We are thrilled to welcome Toprak back into the Yamaha family. 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.”
Ready to be entertained? Toprak is coming!
The Turkish rider moves to MotoGP in 2026, having won two WorldSBK titles in recent years
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