Marco Bezzecchi
Toprak Razgatlioglu is swapping World Superbikes for MotoGP next season, and Julian Ryder has a ‘wacky’ prediction of how the Turkish rider may fare in his debut season of Grand Prix motorcycle racing.
The 2025 WSBK title-winner made headlines in June upon the confirmation that he would make the switch to MotoGP as part of Yamaha satellite team Pramac’s rider line-up.
A three-time champion in the production motorcycle racing series, Razgatlioglu’s debut in MotoGP has been heavily anticipated.
He will partner with a MotoGP fan-favourite at the Italian team, and Jack Miller has already warned Razgatlioglu about destroying his own confidence through having expectations that exceed his immediate ambitions.
READ MORE: Toprak Razgatlioglu says Jack Miller brings ‘really important’ off-track attribute to Pramac
Julian Ryder has a ‘wacky’ prediction for Toprak Razgatlioglu’s maiden season in MotoGP
Just over two-thirds of MotoGP fans believe Razgatlioglu can challenge Marc Marquez for the title in his maiden campaign, a highly contrasting opinion to that of the former MotoGP journalist, Julian Ryder.
In a recent episode of the Racing Back podcast, Nick Harris and Ryder were joined by WSBK commentator Greg Haines, and the trio discussed the 29-year-old’s upcoming venture into the world of Grand Prix motorcycle racing.
Ryder shared his verdict on how Razgatlioglu’s debut season will go, predicting, “I think he can be a top 10 man, a good few times.
“And I can see the possibility, having just had two back-to-back maiden winners [in MotoGP]. You can see they happened because crews got it right. People got things right. Somebody had misfortune, but the stars aligned, and they got a win.
“I don’t see Toprak winning anything, but I can see a surprise third place at somewhere a bit wacky like the Sachsenring, I don’t think it’s impossible. If he does it, it will be a major, massive achievement.”
Ryder’s verdict is a much more realistic view of how the Turkish rider will fare during his first steps as a MotoGP rider. It is also of stark contrast to WSBK insiders who believe Razgatlioglu will contend for wins in 2026.
WSBK commentator Greg Haines thinks Toprak Razgatlioglu should be ‘pleased’ with top 10 finishes next season
Haines also expressed his sentiments on how Pramac’s latest star will handle things in the premier class.
Having commentated on all three of Razgatlioglu’s title feats in WSBK, he has certainly had ample opportunity to assess his readiness for the ultimate two-wheeled racing category.
He said, “In all honesty, I think it’s going to be very difficult actually, based on what Toprak has told me himself.
“I think if he has a few top 10s, he should be pleased. He’s got to be realistic. A lot of it, I’m sure you’ll agree, Jules, is going to depend on the new V4 Yamaha, isn’t it?
“But it’s a learning year. But I think he’s got to keep his head because it’s going to be tough ahead of what should be a good chance in 2027 with the new tyres and the new rules.”
Highlighting his debut year as a transition year, Razgatlioglu believes 2027 will be his best opportunity to win Grands Prix due to the change that Haines mentioned regarding the change in tyre supplier that MotoGP will see that year.
He has been racing atop Pirelli rubber for the entirety of his WSBK career, so when the premier class swaps to the Italian tyre manufacturer, he will be one of the only riders on the grid with previous experience of them.
Receive racing news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
