Razgatlioglu set for early test debut on Yamaha’s V4 MotoGP bike

New Pramac Yamaha signing Toprak Razgatlioglu will get an early opportunity to sample Yamaha’s V4-powered 2026 MotoGP bike ahead of the official post-season test in Valencia, Autosport understands.

Razgatlioglu is currently chasing his third World Superbike crown, and his second with BMW, as the 2025 season runs to a close with the finale at Jerez on 17-19 October.

Once his WSBK campaign is complete, the Turkish star will turn his attention to the next chapter of his career: a long-awaited switch to MotoGP.

In theory, Razgatlioglu’s work for the 2026 season is set to begin at the official test in Valencia on 18 November, when all MotoGP riders will be trying their new bikes for the upcoming campaign.

However, Autosport understands that Yamaha is arranging a private test for the new Pramac rider, who is directly backed by the current head of project, Paolo Pavesio.

So far, Razgatlioglu has completed two tests on Yamaha’s MotoGP bike: one in Aragon in June 2022, which was affected by rain, and another in Jerez in April 2023, which was somewhat more positive.

However, nearly two-and-a-half years have passed since his last test, which is why Yamaha – and Razgatlioglu himself – want more seat time on the V4-powered M1 before he runs directly against other premier class riders in the official Valencia test.

For now, the exact location and dates of the test is unknown, but Autosport understands that it will be held on 9-10 November at Motorland Aragon.

Coinciding with the MotoGP Portuguese Grand Prix weekend, Yamaha’s test team will be working at the Spanish track, preparing the four prototypes that will kick off the 2026 pre-season at the official Valencia test. It will effectively serve as a shakedown to get the bikes ready for Valencia. 

It is understood that the Turkish rider will take advantage of those two days in Aragon to get laps on Yamaha’s new MotoGP prototype.

Test rider Augusto Fernandez will be in charge of riding the four bikes that, on 18 November, will be in the hands of Fabio Quartararo, Alex Rins, Jack Miller and Razgatlioglu himself during the official test. 

After the official Valencia running in November, Pirelli will also hold a test of its own the following day. This will be the second such test for the Italian manufacturer, after the one scheduled for the coming Tuesday at Misano.

What neither Yamaha nor Pramac will be able to do, however, is use Razgatlioglu’s ‘image’ at any race this season. While his agreement with BMW allows him to test another bike this year, he cannot take part in events with his new team until 2026.