Toprak Razgatlioglu Leaves the Door Ajar for MotoGP Move, AGAIN!

The now two-time World Superbike champion has long had a dream to become the first Turkish rider to ever lace up his boots in MotoGP, but when the door at Yamaha became closed for 2022, joining the pinnacle of two-wheel racing has looked like a distant reality.

Joining BMW, which has its sights set on joining MotoGP in the future, has given new life to the possibility of Razgatlioglu joining the championship, but there’s a problem, he would be 31 in 2027 which is the year BMW is likely to join the class, if it does, due to the mass regulation changes taking place for that season.

Razgatlioglu’s talent has never been in question, but his one MotoGP test for Yamaha wasn’t enough to propel the Japanese brand into making a bold move, which was to replace Maverick Vinales, a proven MotoGP winner with the Superbike star.

Razgatlioglu is seen by many as one of the best Superbike riders ever, despite only being 26 years of age, and he’s the best of his era alongside six-time champion Jonathan Rea.

But going to MotoGP, and potentially enjoying success, would take his career and life to new heights. It’s always been a dream of his to race in MotoGP, so doing so in 2026 is likely to be his best/last chance although a change of manufacturer would likely be needed.

Speaking to Motosprint, Razgatlioglu said: “Of course I’m thinking about it. But now I’ll continue with BMW in SBK. I’ll wear the number #1 in 2025 on the M1000 RR, but in 2026 I’ll be a free rider. I’m [already] talking to different brands.”

The fact Razgatlioglu is already in talks is a positive sign and there could be plenty of good seats that become available after 2025, however, a lot can happen between now and then.

The biggest stumbling block, which is somewhat two-fold, is that Razgatlioglu will be 30 in 2026 while also wanting a lucrative contract - that’s an assumption but he’s paid well in World Superbike where he is already a star.

Razgatlioglu added: “We will see. I need a good contract. If I don’t go to MotoGP soon, I will be 30 by 2026. I’m 28 now, I’ll be old, so will my morale [laughs]. I repeat, we’ll see. If I find a satisfactory contract, I’ll go to MotoGP, otherwise I’ll stay in SBK.”