The paddock is buzzing with a hot rumor: Toprak Razgatlioglu, the Turkish Superbike maestro and two-time world champion, is on the verge of joining Yamaha in MotoGP for 2026! The clues are piling up, and the deal could be sealed within four weeks, according to insiders. Get ready to see this brake virtuoso set the premier class alight...
The suspense would no longer really be relevant: Toprak Razgatlioglu wants MotoGP in 2026, and Yamaha is on the verge of offering it to him. All the pieces of the puzzle are falling into place, and according to several well-informed sources in the paddock, the official announcement could come as early as the Mugello Grand Prix (June 20–22), according to Sky Italia.
During the Le Mans weekend, Paolo Pavesio, general director of Yamaha motor racing, acknowledged that decisions would be made around the summer break. Officially, he said he wanted to wait until mid-July out of respect for Jack Miller et Miguel Oliveira, both under pressure and far from guaranteeing their place for 2026. But in reality, the trends are clear.
Yamaha can only count on fabio quartararo, author of three consecutive poles before seeing a victory escape him at Silverstone due to a technical issue. alex rins, still recovering from his 2023 crash at Mugello, is struggling to regain his full physical capacity. Miller oscillates between flashes of speed and disappointing results. Olive tree, he struggles to become the incisive pilot he was at KTM, due to a series of injuries.
At Yamaha, we will signal the end of the game to Jack Miller or Miguel Oliveira
Meanwhile, Toprak, 27 years, has been performing at a high level in WorldSBK. Champion in 2021, he is known for his monstrous braking and his immediate adaptation to the most difficult conditions. He is also young, versatile, approachable (no excessive salary demands) and above all determined, because he knows that 2026–2027 represents his last serious opportunity to join MotoGP.
Yamaha would really need it. As the tire supplier change for 2027 approaches (Pirelli replace Michelin ), Toprak's expertise with the Pirelli would be a major strategic asset. Pavesio knows this very well: they have already won a world title together, which strengthens mutual trust.
What if it doesn't work? No drama for Yamaha: Razgatlioglu could always come back in World SBK, where he remains a living legend with 63 victories. Davide Tardozzi (Ducati) is not mistaken either: according to him, Toprak has the level to aim for the top 6 MotoGP from its beginnings. It would therefore be a calculated, logical bet without any real risk for Yamaha . And a real promise of adrenaline for fans. The 'Turkish Tornado' in MotoGP: dream or reality? The answer in a month...
