Sofuoglu, The Next Generation | MV Agusta signs Bahattin for 2022 WorldSSP

Hot on the heels of Turkey celebrating its second motorcycling FIM World Champion in Toprak Razgatlioglu, the cousin of the man who achieved five before him - Kenan Sofuoglu - will make his debut in the 2022 WorldSSP Championship with MV Agusta.

The Italian manufacturer has confirmed Bahattin Sofuoglu will form one-half of its full factory rider line-up for the reworked 2022 WorldSSP Championship, competing with the works Reparto Corse team.

The youngster becomes the latest rider to confirm a step up from the WorldSSP 300 Championship, where the 18-year old achieved four wins over the last two seasons on Yamaha machinery, finishing sixth overall in 2021.

He will compete aboard the MV Agusta F3 800, which replaces the outgoing 675cc model after regulations were changed to allow larger engine machinery from 2022, with WorldSSP and MotoE race Niki Tuuli alongside him in the Italian outfit.

"I feel proud of myself to have concluded my experience in the WSS300. I had a great time and I learned a lot. Moving forward, I'm super excited to compete in the European Supersport Championship, especially having been given the privilege to be a part of this project with MV Agusta Reparto Corse. 

“In this period we are working and testing in preparation for my future with the team. I would like to thank the team principal Andrea Quadranti and my mentor Kenan for believing in me and giving me this opportunity. I am determined to do the best I can. Looking forward to a very successful future with MV Agusta."

Attention on Sofuoglu has grown in the wake of Razgatlioglu - whom he trains with, together with WorldSSP rider Can Oncu and Moto3 racer Deniz Oncu - winning the 2021 WorldSBK Championship, the Pata Yamaha rider having credited his close working relationship with five-time WorldSSP Champion Kenan Sofuoglu with his success.