Toprak Razgatlioglu is having a tough rookie season in MotoGP in 2026, and based on Yamaha’s internal feeling, there is little hope of improvement for the future.
The three-time World Superbike champion was already facing a difficult debut season in MotoGP when he first arrived, as he had to adapt to a new bike and a new paddock. Razgatlioglu has been ‘destroyed’ by the Michelin tyres in 2026 as he struggles to understand the different compounds.
But his problems have been made even harder by Yamaha and their woes with the bike. The V4 engine is significantly behind in development, and the riders have been left stuck at the back of the grid, with Razgatlioglu scoring just 12 points thus far.
What grade would you give Toprak Razgatlioglu after the first half of his rookie season?
Yamaha do not have ‘much hope’ of producing a competitive bike in 2027
Razgatlioglu was overtaken by Cal Crutchlow, who is standing in for Johann Zarco at LCR, in Germany, proving just how much he is struggling on the Yamaha YZR-M1.
The Turkish rider will be desperate to see improvements in 2027. Razgatlioglu thinks he would have top-five pace on a better Yamaha bike, and the new regulations changes, which include the introduction of Pirelli tyres, should suit him.
READ MORE: Everything to know about Toprak Razgatlioglu from net worth to nickname
However, the Pramac rider will not like what the manufacturer are saying behind the scenes. According to journalist David Emmett, a Yamaha insider says there is not ‘much hope’ for 2027, meaning Razgatlioglu will have to wait until 2028 for a competitive machine.
Talking about Yamaha’s struggles in 2026, he said via the Paddock Pass Podcast: “I mean, look, it was to be expected. I think I’ve been sort of banging this drum for a long time.
“When you change something as radical as the engine layout, it takes a lot of time to get going again. It takes a lot of time to figure out all of the stuff which you thought you knew but just doesn’t work in a different engine configuration.
Jorge Martin thinks Honda and Yamaha will return to form in 2027 👀 How do you think they will fare with the new regulations?
“So yeah, it’s a lost season. From what I understand, there’s not that much hope for 2027. I think 2028 should be a lot better.
“I also understand from someone inside Yamaha that they should have an engine upgrade in the second half of the season, which will make a difference.
“And sometimes the bike works, but so very rarely. And I think, to me, it isn’t a disappointment. It was very much what I expected, but it’s really hard to watch.”
Receive racing news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
