Kenan Sofuoglu clarifies the future of Toprak Razgatlioglu: A move to the Yamaha factory team in 2027 is currently “99 percent” out of the question.
The future of Toprak Razgatlioglu in MotoGP is taking shape. After his debut in Buriram, manager Kenan Sofuoglu made it clear that the plan is currently clear: the Turkish rider will continue to race for Pramac in 2027. An early move to the Yamaha factory team therefore seems to be off the table for the time being.
Yamaha officially announced the signing of the three-time Superbike World Champion on June 10 last year. However, the approximately 2,000-word announcement lacked one crucial detail: the contract term. The only thing that was confirmed was that Razgatlioglu would return to the Iwata-based brand and make his MotoGP debut in 2026 with the Pramac team, Yamaha’s satellite team.
Toprak “happy” at Pramac-Yamaha
Behind the scenes, there is talk of a two-year contract with an option for a third season for both sides. At the same time, early speculation circulated that Razgatlioglu could move up to Yamaha’s factory team as early as 2027. Sofuoglu has now clearly put this assumption into perspective.
“There are many rumors, but with Pramac we have a high-quality structure,” he clarified on GPOne.com. “Our goal is to bring Toprak to the highest level. I am 99 percent sure that he will stay with the current team next year because we are happy here and work well together.”
However, he does not want to rule anything out completely. “Our contract is open, and there could be interest from the Yamaha factory team, but the original plan remains to stay with the current team.” As things stand, everything points to continuity.
Yamaha battles for top riders for 2027
The rider situation at Yamaha is very dynamic, as is the entire MotoGP rider market for 2027. With Fabio Quartararo expected to move to Honda, a place in the factory team has become available. Jorge Martin is already considered signed, but the decision on the second rider is still pending.
After their preferred candidate, Francesco Bagnaia, reportedly turned them down, negotiations are underway with Luca Marini. At the same time, a young Moto2 talent is also being considered, in the hope of a surprise coup like the one with Quartararo in 2019. In comparison, other names are currently playing a minor role: Alex Rins has no concrete offer, and Razgatlioglu also does not seem to be an immediate option for the factory team for the time being, despite his potential. At least, that’s according to recent statements by manager Sofuoglu.
Sofuoglu: Yamaha’s confidence high
After the Thai Grand Prix, however, the former Supersport world champion assures us: “Yamaha has a very positive attitude towards Toprak. They know they have a great rider.” At the same time, he emphasizes the long-term nature of the new project, which is “mainly focused on 2027.”
“Yamaha is investing in the future and preparing a new package because it is a benchmark brand in the world of racing. That’s what the company lives for,” Sofuoglu knows. He also believes his protégé is on the right track in terms of his sporting performance.
In Buriram, Razgatlioglu finished 17th, 39 seconds behind the winner, but ahead of teammate Jack Miller. “At Yamaha, they are very happy with Toprak’s performance in this race, and that will motivate him even more.” There is no pressure, as this is a long-term project.
