Honda land boost in Toprak Razgatlioglu pursuit despite ‘big-money’ offer to reject MotoGP switch

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Honda are enjoying a bit of a resurgence this season, yet their eyes are very much also on the future with a deal to tempt Toprak Razgatlioglu to finally move over to MotoGP.

Last term marked a very bleak era in the history of Honda in MotoGP as the Japanese squad came last in the constructors’ standings. Honda and satellite squad LCR were even rooted to the bottom of the teams’ rankings. But only Ducati have outscored Honda so far this season.

LCR’s Johann Zarco has led the way among the Honda stable this season with a best result of P6 in the Argentina Grand Prix. Yet the Frenchman has an unclear future as he, teammate Somkiat Chantra and works rider Luca Marini are set to see their factory Honda deals expire.

Honda having an opening in their ranks for next season has led to speculation that the outfit may eye a deal to sign two-time World Superbikes champion Razgatlioglu. The 28-year-old is also a free agent after this year with his BMW contract expiring, opening a door for Honda.

Honda land boost as Toprak Razgatlioglu’s BMW relations sour amid their ‘big-money’ contract offer

Honda have held talks with Razgatlioglu to move to MotoGP on an initial two-year contract with the option for two further years. But new reports by The Race now claim Honda could table a deal which sees him stay in WSBK for their struggling production bike team in 2026.

Razgatlioglu could join Honda’s World Superbikes team next year to wait for MotoGP’s new 850cc bikes coming in 2027. And in a boost to Honda’s pursuit, Razgatlioglu’s relations with BMW have soured which could hinder the German brand’s interest in agreeing a new deal.

READ MORE: Everything to know about Honda from the MotoGP team’s riders to leadership

BMW are currently working on a ‘big-money’ contract they hope can convince Razgatlioglu to stay with their WSBK team. It would also likely make him by far the best-paid rider in the series. Yet key management changes at BMW are not helping their chances of him signing.

Also, Razgatlioglu’s WSBK title defence started poorly in Australia, to add to his and BMW’s souring relations. It might play into Honda’s hands with the Japanese squad the only brand with a WSBK crew willing to offer Razgatlioglu the multi-million contract he would demand.

Honda would face a 2026 MotoGP line-up dilemma if Toprak Razgatlioglu stays in WSBK

Razgatlioglu agreeing to wait 2026 out with Honda’s World Superbikes outfit before moving to MotoGP in 2027 would still leave the Japanese crew with one seat to fill next to Joan Mir. But it would likely be a welcome dilemma if it finally gets Razgatlioglu onto a prototype bike.

The Turkish rider is frequently linked with a switch across from World Superbikes to MotoGP and claims emerged earlier this year that Razgatlioglu spoke with Pramac about a 2025 seat. But a switch across with Honda could gain pace with MotoGP introducing new rules in 2027.

Razgatlioglu could look fondly on the introduction of 850cc bikes the season after next given it may reset the order from the current dominance of Ducati. Additionally, Pirelli will replace Michelin as MotoGP’s tyre provider in 2027, and Razgatlioglu is used to Pirelli tyres in WSBK.