Superbike legend Razgatlıoğlu to make MotoGP debut in 2026 with Pramac Yamaha

Double world Superbike champion Toprak Razgatlıoğlu will make his MotoGP debut in 2026 as the Turkish star will ride for Pramac Yamaha.

Yamaha Motor confirmed the move on Tuesday in a statement that was initially expected during the Italian Grand Prix weekend on 20-22 June.

The statement has been released early, however, and Razgatlıoğlu will join Yamaha’s satellite squad after eight seasons in the Superbike World Championship which he won in 2021 and 2024.

Yamaha’s statement read: “Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. is pleased to announce Razgatlıoğlu’s return to Yamaha.

“The current WorldSBK champion and 2021 WorldSBK champion with Yamaha will make the jump to MotoGP in 2026, joining the Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP Team.

“After a stellar stint in the FIM Superbike World Championship (2018–2025), during which he was crowned WorldSBK Champion twice and became the second most victorious rider of all time with 63 victories so far, Razgatlıoğlu is ready to take on a new challenge in the premier class of MotoGP.

“Having Razgatlıoğlu step up to MotoGP and join the factory-supported Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP Team, a collaboration between Yamaha and Pramac, is a strategic decision that allows the Turkish rider to showcase his unique talent at the pinnacle of motorcycle racing.”

Razgatlıoğlu rode for Yamaha in the World Superbike Championship from 2020 to 2023 and won 37 races as well as his 2021 title. 

Paolo Pavesio, managing director of Yamaha, said: “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.”

Yamaha has not confirmed who the 28-year-old’s team-mate will be, but it is expected to be current Pramac rider Jack Miller with Miguel Oliveira moving on.