Yamaha chief reveals whether Toprak Razgatlioglu has a chance of MotoGP promotion from Pramac

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Toprak Razgatlioglu has finally received his golden ticket to transition from superbikes to MotoGP for 2026.

The Turkish rider has signed a deal with Pramac, which will see him continue a long-standing partnership for next year.

Razgatlioglu has close ties with Yamaha and has previously tested for them. Now, he gets a significant say in their development and direction ahead of the new regulations in 2027.

Making his MotoGP debut at the age of 29 will be no easy feat, but he will be backed by a strong operation. It’s a team that won the riders’ championship with a Ducati in 2024.

After years in superbikes, where he is a two-time champion on the world stage, Razgatlioglu has one ‘genius’ trait and it should help him in his next venture.

Just weeks on from the partnership being announced, Mat Oxley spotted something ‘very interesting’ in Razgatlioglu’s deal and believes that he may only be tied down for one year.

READ MORE: Toprak Razgatlioglu warned he may have to sacrifice one of his ‘demon’ strengths on Yamaha’s MotoGP bike at Pramac

Paolo Pavesio reveals whether Toprak Razgatlioglu has a chance of Yamaha promotion

Razgatlioglu has secured a Fabio Quartararo clause, entitling him to the same bike and upgrades as the generational Yamaha rider next season. It’s even ground for all.

Jack Miller could partner Razgatlioglu at Pramac, but it’s unknown yet. A decision will now be made before the end of July, and has been brought forward recently.

Yamaha managing director Paolo Pavesio has revealed to SPEEDWEEK whether the Turkish rider will have a chance of promotion to the factory team after he joins in 2026.

“No, because we have two factory teams in MotoGP. Both teams have identical motorcycles,” he said.

“Seven Yamaha engineers work at Pramac and they have the same technical director at Max Bartolini.”

While MotoGP is an exciting endeavour, there are still six rounds of the Superbike World Championship to go. After winning all three races at Misano last time out, he has a great shot at a third crown.

READ MORE: Danilo Petrucci tells Toprak Razgatlioglu one thing the 2026 Pramac Yamaha signing will ‘have to change’ in MotoGP

What risks does Toprak Razgatlioglu face in MotoGP next season?

In each of the last four seasons, the Alanya native has been a title contender, and that’s a feeling he might have to get used to being without for a while.

Until 2027 at least, as although Yamaha have made some extreme progress recently, they’re still a little bit behind the eight-ball.

Razgatlioglu has been warned of the ‘risks’, but he has plenty of talent and experience to be able to navigate whatever is thrown at him.

Securing the same bike as the factory riders will be a big thing. Using that to his advantage could have him in the picture for several wins throughout the season.