Toprak Razgatlioglu is taking the plunge into MotoGP in 2026: The reactions of the regular riders range from respect to skepticism about his ability to adapt
Toprak Razgatlioglu is still fighting for the title in the 2025 Superbike World Championship as reigning world champion. But next year, the Turkish rider will start a new chapter in MotoGP with Pramac-Yamaha. The current MotoGP stars are all positive, but also have realistic expectations.
“It’s great to have another champion in our paddock,” says Marc Marquez, for example. He is particularly excited to see how Razgatlioglu’s unique riding style – heavily focused on the front wheel – will play out in MotoGP.
Marquez sees the switch from Pirelli to Michelin tires as the biggest challenge for him: “It’s not better or worse. It’s just a completely different feeling, especially when cornering. That will be the biggest change.“
Francesco Bagnaia praises the timing of the switch: ”It’s a good moment for him to take the plunge.“ However, he emphasizes that the switch to the stiffer prototype bikes with Michelin tires will not be easy. ”The first year will be an adjustment period. If he manages that, he can be very competitive.“
Bezzecchi looking forward to duels with Razgatlioglu
Marco Bezzecchi, who got to see Razgatlioglu up close during his visit to the Superbike World Championship in Misano, believes in him: ”He has already won two championships with different bikes. He’s definitely a great rider.“
”I think he’s already tried MotoGP, so he knows what to expect. And if he’s taken that step, it means he’s ready, right? I know him. He’s also a very good guy. So yes, I’m happy for him, and we’re waiting for the moment to battle it out on the track.”
Pedro Acosta is also optimistic that Razgatlioglu will do well. “You only have to look at his speed at Misano. He’ll be fast right from the start. We’ll see if it’s easier or harder than in Superbike.”
Alex Marquez calls Razgatlioglu’s decision “brave,” especially given that MotoGP will race with Michelin tires for the last time in 2026 before switching to Pirelli. “Maybe it would have been smarter to work as a test rider for a year like (Nicolo) Bulega first.”
Bulega has extended his contract with Ducati in the Superbike World Championship, but will also join the MotoGP test team for 2026, with a future promotion not out of the question. “But when you have a MotoGP offer on the table (like Razgatlioglu), you understand why he’s taking it,” says Alex Marquez.
Rins warns: Two completely different riding styles
Fabio Quartararo, whose brand colleague Ratgatlioglu will become, describes him as “an incredibly talented rider,” but also believes that he will certainly have difficulties adapting at first. “He’s been riding Superbikes for many years. But he has speed and talent,” says Quartararo.
His teammate Alex Rins emphasizes that it is unusual for a rider to make the transition from Superbike back to MotoGP: “You don’t see that very often.”
He highlights the differences in riding style in particular and quotes former test rider Sylvain Guintoli: “When I was at Suzuki and Guintoli was test rider there, he said: ‘With a Superbike, you have to—excuse my language—f*** the bike. With a MotoGP bike, you have to make love to it, you know what I mean?’”
“They are just two completely different riding styles. The Superbike is like a production motorcycle. The MotoGP bike is something completely different. So let’s see.“
Johann Zarco sees the tire issue as the main challenge: ”The Michelin tires are more temperamental than the Pirellis. That could surprise him.“ Nevertheless, he believes Razgatlioglu has the potential for MotoGP. ”He’s smart enough to adapt. Maybe not on the first day of testing, but I believe in him.“
Franco Morbidelli adds: ”We’ve already seen him in a few tests with Yamaha. But that wasn’t enough to really say anything. When he has more time on the bike, his level will become apparent. It will be interesting to watch him.”
