Expert engineer thinks Toprak Razgatlioglu could redefine ‘modern riding’ after MotoGP move

Add as preferred source on Google

Toprak Razgatlioglu’s move to MotoGP is arguably the most exciting storyline heading into the 2026 season. Razgatlioglu switches championships after winning his third World Superbikes title.

Razgatlioglu has had MotoGP offers before but he wasn’t keen on the idea of joining a satellite team before the opportunity to join Pramac, who won the 2024 title with Jorge Martin, arose.

The Turkish rider is known for his spectacular riding style, but there are question marks over how it will translate to MotoGP. The best-case scenario is that Razgatlioglu challenges for titles during the sport’s next rules cycle, which begins in 2027.

Has Toprak moved to MotoGP too LATE?

Comment

Like or Comment

Have your say Sign-in now for free

The rider market was largely stagnant in 2025 with most of the field under contract. But Yamaha have managed to convince the biggest star outside the championship to take the leap, and that will see the photographers flock to the Pramac garage at the start of next year.

MotoGP and WSBK engineer highlights Toprak Razgatlioglu’s biggest challenge at Pramac

Speaking to GPOne, an unnamed engineer with experience in both MotoGP and World Superbikes previewed the challenge facing Razgatlioglu. They called the move an ‘engineering experiment’.

Razgatlioglu will have to adapt to ‘the limits imposed by Michelin’, having raced with Pirelli tyres in WSBK. The Italian company will be entering MotoGP themselves in 2027.

If Razgatlioglu can adjust his style to suit the Michelin rubber, the Yamaha bike and MotoGP electronics, then he could ‘redefine the fundamental parameters of modern riding’. That underlines how significant this move could be in the sport’s history.

It may be that the 29-year-old creates a pathway for WSBK riders to move to MotoGP more regularly. As it stands, most riders go in the opposite direction.

Indeed, the 2026 field features former Grand Prix riders like Miguel Oliveira, Somkiat Chantra, Danilo Petrucci and Andrea Iannone, but title favourite Nicolo Bulega could follow in Razgatlioglu’s footsteps.

There’s one elephant in the room for Toprak Razgatlioglu

Razgatlioglu wants to battle Marquez in 2027. Ordinarily, a rookie would not set such a lofty objective for their second season, but this is no ordinary case.

Razgatlioglu’s ambition is part of what makes the move so exciting. But there’s one obvious obstacle in the way of his success.

While he will be expected to beat Jack Miller and Alex Rins in due time, he’s riding the same bike as Fabio Quartararo, one of the highest-rated riders on the grid.

It may be that Razgatlioglu needs Quartararo to leave Yamaha, as is rumoured, to clear the way for him to win races.