Unless one has been living under a rock, chances of knowing WSBK champion Toprak are slim, however, for the rest of the world, this was news in the making, and Toprak has earned himself a seat in the 2026 MotoGP season with Pramac Yamaha. The BMW rider making his way into MotoGP has been in the news for a while until it was officially confirmed.
Toprak Razgatlioglu and Pramac Yamaha
The two-time WSBK champion is set to race with the Yamaha satellite team next year, however, the contract is for one year only and at the end of the season, the Turkish rider can choose if he wants to stay or move on. This will be ahead of MotoGP’s big regulation change that will come into effect in 2027.
Razgatlioglu first won his WSBK world championship aboard a Yamaha in 2021, and his second last year with BMW. The move to MotoGP also means that he will end his association with the German brand.
In an official statement, Yamaha said, “We are thrilled to welcome Toprak Razgatlioglu back into the Yamaha family,” said Yamaha Racing Managing Director Paolo Pavesio.
“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.”
He added, “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.”
That said, it will also mean sad news for the current Pramac riders as one of them will have to make way for the Turkish rider. Reports suggest that it will be Miller because his contract expires at the end of this year.
