Honda’s Toprak Razgatlioglu plan may now be spoiled after revelation from ‘sources’ about 2027 MotoGP bikes

Add as preferred source on Google

Honda are reportedly plotting an audacious move to bring Toprak Razgatlioglu to MotoGP. The two-time World Superbikes champion is seriously considering a switch to Grand Prix racing.

Razgatlioglu has been called ‘sensational to watch’ and his core skillset may be good enough to win at the highest level. No rider has even lifted the title in both disciplines.

The theory is that Honda could place Razgatlioglu at their WSBK team for 2026, and then bring him into the MotoGP paddock for ’27. That would coincide with the major regulation changes.

That will be a learning experience for every rider, ensuring Razgatlioglu isn’t at a major disadvantage – like he would be midway through a rules cycle. The Turkish star is out of contract at BMW at the end of the season.

Toprak Razgatlioglu won’t have the Pirelli tyre advantage Honda may have expected for 2027

At the end of 2026, MotoGP’s deal with Michelin will come to an end as Pirelli will arrive as the new tyre supplier. The Italian company already have a deal with WSBK.

That made Honda’s Razgatlioglu plan seem very smart. Even though he’s barely ridden a MotoGP bike, he would know the compounds better than his competitors.

But speaking on the Paddock Pass Podcast, journalist Steve English revealed it wouldn’t quite play out that way. Instead, Pirelli have been informed that their Grand Prix tyres need to be substantially different to their existing two-wheel rubber.

While he may understand Pirelli’s ‘philosophy’, he’ll still encounter major changes in the profile, size and structure of the tyres.

“One of the things we’ve heard a lot is, if Toprak goes to Honda in Superbike, he’ll have all of his Pirelli experience,” English said. “He’ll test the new bike, he’ll be ready to rock in 2027 as a MotoGP rookie.

“One thing I learned at the weekend was that Pirelli have been told that they can’t use their World SBK tyres. They have to turn up to MotoGP with a brand new concept of tyres.

“All of the details they have from their production tyres, they can’t use in MotoGP next year. It looks like, with the 850 regs, and the changing of rules for 2027, Pirelli are going have to have a whole new profile, new size, new structures, new compounds.

“MotoGP at the moment is using 17-inch rims, they’ll probably go down to 16.5. It looks like it’s going to be a narrow front tyre compared to what we have in World SBK.

“Toprak’s big advantage going to MotoGP in 2027 was talked about as being ‘he’s the man who knows the Pirelli tyres better than anyone else’. He’ll know the philosophy behind the Pirelli, but he won’t know the tyres whenever they go to MotoGP.

“One of the other things that was interesting from my sources within Pirelli was that Pirelli have also been told that, when they come in as the MotoGP tyre supplier, there has to be a 1.5 to two-second differential between a MotoGP laptime and a Superbike laptime.”

Could Toprak Razgatlioglu make his MotoGP debut far sooner than expected?

Honda face competition from Pramac for Razgatlioglu after the Yamaha satellite reportedly held talks with his camp over the winter. Paolo Campinoti’s squad have an opening for 2026, with Jack Miller’s deal due to expire at the end of the season.

It’s worth pointing out that Albert Puig is also chasing Pedro Acosta, so it’s unclear if they want both big-name riders. Honda could drop Luca Marini to LCR if they land Acosta, but they may be more conflicted about world champion Joan Mir.

There’s a rumour that Razgatlioglu could make a wildcard appearance later in 2025. The relatively early end to the WSBK season means he’s theoretically available for the last three MotoGP rounds.

He himself has denied that this is a possibility, but it would make sense. It’s his chance to dispel any possible concerns suitors may have over poaching a rider from an external series.