Marco Bezzecchi
There are just under five months of the MotoGP season remaining before Toprak Razgatlioglu can officially begin preparations for his rookie campaign.
The 28-year-old joins an experienced operation at Pramac and should have the chance to be competitive, as long as he can adjust to a new bike and tyre manufacturer well.
Razgatlioglu has waited years to make the switch, even participating in a two-day Yamaha test in April 2023, but things soon cooled off.
He may be an older MotoGP debutant by today’s standards, but as Johann Zarco has shown at LCR recently, experience can be very handy on a tricky bike.
It’s not known yet, but Razgatlioglu may partner Jack Miller at Pramac, and should know who his new teammate will be before the end of July.
However, Razgatlioglu has been warned of the ‘risks’ behind such a promotion. It’s a big leap to take when he could have stayed comfortable and remained a superbike title contender.
Yamaha chief reveals the ‘only’ Toprak Razgatlioglu contract demand he had to reject
It’s way too soon to know yet, and patience will be required, but Jorge Lorenzo thinks Razgatlioglu may have joined the wrong team. He viewed the factory Honda opening as a better one.
It’s difficult to even know whether they would have been interested in him, but both Japanese manufacturers are tenfold better than last year.
On the subject of factory rides, Yamaha managing director Paolo Pavesio has revealed to SPEEDWEEK that he actually had to reject one of Razgatlioglu’s ‘only’ contract demands.
“One is operated by Yamaha itself and one together with Pramac. This is the story I also told Kenan [Sofuoglu, Toprak’s manager],” he said.
“He said that only a factory team was an option. Pramac is a factory team. Therefore, the offer for Kenan and Toprak was correct.”
So, the Turkish rider has received his wish and will receive all the benefits of being at a factory team, without officially riding for one. It’ll be a big advantage over rival satellite riders.
Why Toprak Razgatlioglu will be at ease over moving to Pramac for 2026
Some may hesitate when they hear the promise that a rider will definitely receive factory parts, however, Razgatlioglu has secured a Fabio Quartararo clause.
It means that he should have it written on paper that he is entitled to the very same machinery as the Frenchman at all times.
Quartararo has been improving this year too, and agonisingly missed out on a first victory for three years while comfortably at the lead in the British Grand Prix.
A failed ride height device was his downfall that day, but together with Razgatlioglu, they should have many brighter days ahead.
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