Jorge Lorenzo hints that Toprak Razgatlioglu may have joined the wrong team as Pramac MotoGP move confirmed

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Toprak Razgatlioglu is moving to MotoGP at long last, it was confirmed on Tuesday afternoon. He will leave World Superbikes and race for Pramac in the 2026 season.

Razgatlioglu won his first WSBK title on Yamaha machinery and he’ll now have the chance to ride it again at the highest level. He already tested the M1 twice in 2023.

Razgatlioglu’s tests were underwhelming at the time, but there’s since been an acceptance that he was under-prepared. The arrival of the two-time WSBK champion will generate huge excitement for the most part.

Yamaha have yet to confirm which rider he’ll replace. Jack Miller is out of contract at the end of the year, but Miguel Oliveira isn’t meeting a performance clause in his deal.

Jorge Lorenzo says Toprak Razgatlioglu may have been better suited to a Honda

Writing on his Instagram story, MotoGP legend Jorge Lorenzo offered his immediate reaction to the news. He called it an ‘awesome’ development.

Razgatlioglu’s background in stunt riding and electrifying riding style will make him a compelling watch, whether or not he lives up to expectations. Liberty Media may be delighted by his arrival as they close in on a deal to buy the series from Dorna.

Lorenzo did suggest, however, that Razgatlioglu may have been better suited to the characteristics of a Ducati or a Honda. There were never really any serious links with the defending champions.

However, Razgatlioglu reportedly received an offer from Honda before the links to Jorge Martin. He’s now chosen to join Pramac, where Lorenzo expects his ‘undeniable’ skills to shine through nonetheless.

“Wow!” he wrote. “That’s awesome news for all the MotoGP enthusiasts. We all like to read [that]!”

“Even though his riding style would better suit a Ducati or even a Honda, I’m sure with patience and time Toprak will be successful. His talent and braking skills are undeniable.

“Congratulations Toprak, Pramac and Yamaha for the deal!”

Why Toprak Razgatlioglu could be blocked from Yamaha factory ride after Pramac deal

Some MotoGP experts are worried about Razgatlioglu ahead of his 2026 debut. They don’t think his style will necessarily work with the Michelin tyres.

But it’s likely that Yamaha have made a multi-year commitment. Come 2027, they will be able to harness his vast experience with Pirelli tyres, which could be a key advantage.

Logically, one would assume that he’d be in contention for a factory ride that year following the expiration of Alex Rins’ contract. The Spaniard has underperformed this season.

However, Razgatlioglu is currently blocked from joining Yamaha due to his association with Red Bull. Title sponsors Monster Energy would likely object to any move.