Toprak Razgatlioglu motivated to make MotoGP switch by his dad’s ‘dream’

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Toprak Razgatlioglu is just a matter of weeks from officially being able to get to work ahead of his debut MotoGP campaign in 2026.

Fortunately, the World Superbike Season was already wrapped up last month, as well as his third championship in the series. BMW have treated him well, freeing him up to start work with Pramac, and there’s a lot for him to do.

At the age of 29, he’s slightly older than the average MotoGP rookie, but that does come with a significant advantage. Razgatlioglu has much more hands-on racing experience in other series, which should serve him quite well.

MotoGP fans think Razgatlioglu can challenge Marc Marquez, but it might take some time, considering he is joining a team about to finish bottom of the teams’ standings without a miracle. Julian Ryder made a wacky Razgatlioglu prediction, and he’ll be hoping to live up to it if all goes well.

READ MORE: Toprak Razgatlioglu shares whether MotoGP will be ‘tougher’ than World Superbikes as Pramac move looms

Toprak Razgatlioglu’s ‘dream’ MotoGP switch motivated by his father’s wishes

Paolo Pavesio was adamant about signing Razgatlioglu and knows about his talents well after winning a title with him in 2021. His route to the premier class hasn’t been traditional, but that won’t matter once he hits the track. He faces a steep learning curve.

Yamaha’s V4 engine is currently being rushed through development, in the hope that it can give their four riders a boost in 2026. Unfortunately for them, it looked below par when run as a wildcard entry with Augusto Fernandez at the Malaysian Grand Prix.

Jack Miller thinks that Razgatlioglu brings an important trait, and expects to get on well with his new teammate. Their job is to position their team well heading into the new regulations in 2027, in the hope that they will be able to challenge for victory once more.

World Superbike commentator Gregory Haines has now revealed how Razgatlioglu’s MotoGP switch was actually a dream harboured more by his late father, rather than himself. It’s something that would make winning at the next level even more special to him.

“Yes, apparently it was his [father’s] dream for Toprak to race in MotoGP, so he’ll be doing it for his dad,” said Haines.

READ MORE: Toprak Razgatlioglu predicts when he’ll achieve ‘special things’ in MotoGP amid talk of debut win

How well did Toprak Razgatlioglu perform in the World Superbike Championship in 2025?

Marquez congratulated Razgatlioglu for winning the 2025 title in the World Superbike Championship, and the two have spoken to each other ahead of his MotoGP switch.

It’s a bit steep to expect him to be anywhere near the seven-time champion on track next season, but his form this year suggests that with the right bike, he has it in him.

At one stage, he won an astonishing 16 races in a row, and 18 of 19 on his way to wrapping up a third title in four years.

2025 is the most complete version of Razgatlioglu that has been seen yet, which is timely, given the step he must make for next season.

Adapting to the Michelin tyres could be a struggle, but the Pirelli rubber he is familiar with arrives for 2027. It could be for then that he has a major advantage over his new rivals.