Marco Bezzecchi
Toprak Razgatlioglu will make his MotoGP debut in 2026 with Pramac Yamaha, but he will be forced into several changes when he arrives.
The Turkish rider will be one of the most exciting talents in the premier class in 2026. Razgatlioglu has won two World Superbike titles, which could become three this weekend as he fights Nicolo Bulega for the championship at Estoril.
Yamaha beat Honda to the 28-year-old’s signature, with Razgatlioglu set to partner with Jack Miller in 2026. Despite being a hugely talented rider, the former will have to get accustomed to a new bike.
That is especially the case with Yamaha as they introduce their V4 bike in 2026. Razgatlioglu will test the V4 before his debut, as the Iwata outfit want to get him as much mileage on the machine as possible to get him up to speed.
But it will not be an easy season for the Turkish rider, with Yamaha and Pramac currently sitting bottom of their respective standings in 2025. Furthermore, Razgatlioglu will be missing many key things from WSBK in MotoGP.
Toprak Razgatlioglu admits it is not ‘possible’ to ride with the #54 plate in MotoGP
Razgatlioglu will not work with WSBK crew chief Phil Marron at Pramac, with Yamaha already signing Alberto Giribuola from Tech3. He will have to get used to working with a new figure in the garage.
Razgatlioglu pushed for Marron to join Pramac, but his limited ‘status’ within the team, given that he is a MotoGP rookie, prevented this. As well as not being with his WSBK crew chief, he will also have to change numbers.
The Turkish rider has been using the No.54 since he joined WSBK, but that number is occupied by Gresini rider Fermin Aldeguer in MotoGP. Razgatlioglu joked with Aldeguer on social media that they could negotiate a deal for the plate.
But now, speaking to Motosprint, the 28-year-old admits that it will not be ‘possible’ for him to take the No.54 from Aldeguer. He already has plans for other numbers – he previously used #7, but that is also taken, currently being used by Yamaha test rider Augusto Fernandez.
“I don’t think it’s possible for me to use it,” said Razgatlioglu. “Fermin’s been using it since his Moto2 days and even has it tattooed on his arm, so it’s tough.
“I have some ideas for a different number, but we’ll see. Paying for the number? Sometimes money is needed, but I don’t think that’s the case in this case.”
READ MORE: Everything to know about Toprak Razgatlioglu from net worth to nickname
Toprak Razgatlioglu and Pramac have already set high expectations for the 2026 MotoGP season
Given his talent, many have high hopes for the 28-year-old when he joins the premier class in 2026. Several MotoGP riders believe Razgatlioglu can win in his debut season.
But Yamaha have slightly more realistic expectations. Paolo Pavesio wants Razgatlioglu to finish between P5 and P10 consistently in 2026, as the Iwata outfit hope to have a competitive season.
Razgatlioglu will find it tough finishing outside the top 10 in 2026, but that is a reality that he must be prepared for. Miller and Miguel Oliveira have finished in the top 10 six times thus far in 2025.
Yamaha hope that the V4 bike will be more competitive than the YZR-M1. The machine is far from the finished product, but it could give Razgatlioglu what he needs to meet his and the team’s targets.
Receive racing news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
