Kevin Schwantz issues verdict on Toprak Razgatlioglu to Honda after speaking with him in WSBK paddock

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Toprak Razgatlioglu has been one of the most successful World Superbike riders in recent times, and managed 13 consecutive wins at one stage in 2024.

With Honda needing a rider for 2026, as Luca Marini’s contract is set to end, multiple names have been linked with them.

The two strongest candidates appear to be Pedro Acosta and Razgatlioglu, but Johann Zarco’s steady MotoGP performances in 2025 have earned him some plaudits too. His links with Honda give him a shout.

Honda would ‘probably’ have to pay KTM a lot for Acosta, while the other names mentioned would come at a cheaper price.

Neil Hodgson has backed Razgatlioglu for his ‘dream ticket’, with the possibility that Honda signs him for 2027 and lets him do another year in Superbikes ahead of the new MotoGP regulations in 2027.

However, first they must fend off interest from Yamaha, who are keen to put the 28-year-old on a Pramac bike.

READ MORE: Honda and Yamaha learn what Toprak Razgatlioglu’s ‘heart is set on’ as MotoGP rivals target World Superbike champion

Kevin Schwantz thinks Toprak Razgatlioglu would be ‘amazing’ in MotoGP for Honda

It hasn’t been the best of openings to a campaign for Razgatlioglu in 2025, and he sits second in the World Superbike standings currently. He has already claimed four wins this year though.

Moving to BMW for 2024 was an inspired decision, as he claimed his second title during his debut season for them.

Now Kevin Schwantz has backed him for another change, and with Honda possibly interested, thinks that the Turkish rider would be competitive in MotoGP.

“Absolutely. The electronics currently in Superbikes are obviously not what’s in MotoGP machines. But I think the Superbike riders could jump in right away. Toprak, Nicolo, any of those guys,” he told Speedweek.

“But Toprak shows that he can do anything on a motorcycle. I could race motorcycles and ride a 500cc. But I think Toprak shows that his riding skills—with the stoppies, etc.—and the way he controls the bike are amazing.”

READ MORE: Neil Hodgson backs Honda plan to bring ‘sensational’ Toprak Razgatlioglu to MotoGP, ‘it would make sense’

Why Toprak Razgatlioglu would be Honda’s best option for 2026

At the age of 28, there’s an argument to say that there would be little point in signing Razgatlioglu for the long term.

Acosta is just 20, and has an entire career left ahead of him. He’s going to be at the top for the next 10-15 years at least.

However, Razgatlioglu brings extra experience and knowledge of how to one at one of the highest levels. He has proven that he can be a serial victor.

If Honda want to challenge for titles again, getting someone with knowledge of how to do so will be crucial.

Perhaps there’s a world where Joan Mir gets left behind after 2026 and both Acosta and Razgatlioglu end up being teammates?