Advances the second round of the 2025 WorldSBK season, rumors have resumed that Toprak Razgatlioglu could enter the MotoGP in 2026.
It’s very appropriate that Razgatlioglu should be on a BMW right now. Because over the past three years or so, rumors from the only world superbikes to Mottpu have focused on BMW, which have died and revived more frequently than the ones that focused on Razgatlioglu.
Rumors about Razgatlioglu to move to MotoGP were perhaps the most clearly logical, especially when he was a Yamaha rider, especially after the 2021 title.
Razgatlioglu didn’t like how he had to ride a bike or how he had to sit. Part of this was on the tires, and part of that was on the bike design.
Razgatlioglu’s MotoGP switch was rumored in 2023 after signing BMW. However, Razgatlioglu is 29 years old and he knows just as much as anyone who means he has limited time. MotoGP moves should be made with equipment that allows him to win.
For most of the Turkish riders link to MotoGP, “competitive machinery” has been essentially an interchangeable term for “Ducati,” but the early sign of Honda this season is that they are progressing head-on.
Toprak Razgatlioglu Honda options?
Johann Zarco finished the top 10 at both Grand Prix this year and took the front row position in qualifying at the Argentina Grand Prix a few weeks ago.
Is the RC213V ready to win the title? It’s probably not yet, and probably not 2026, but obvious advances in HRC could put it in the 2027 window.
Of course, if technical regulations are set for a major change to the 850cc engine, a reduction in aerodynamics, or banning ride-friendly devices from 2027, it’s a bit troubling, but it’s not necessarily set to hurt Honda more than anyone else.
What’s more, the most impactful change in 2027 is the tires that change from Michelin to Pirelli, rather than removing engines, aerodynamics, or ride-height devices.
This means that instead of switching between series, manufacturer, brake material and tire brands, only the first three will be applied. It’s only one out of four, but tires are the most important part of the asphalt racing series and are the ingredient that condition the features of all other technical aspects.
Razgatlioglu’s WorldSBK domination is not built purely on skill and technical advantages. In fact, it can be argued that the latter was not a factor in his success. Instead, it was about his understanding of Pirelli tires, especially the front tires and how they utilize their characteristics.
Often, Razgatlioglu has been asked at MotoGp Michelin that he cannot do what he can with WorldSBK Pirelli. That may be true, but assuming that if Pirelli is trying to supply MotoGP, the core characteristics of the Italian brand of flexible tires that offer a lot of emotion and performance at different temperatures is no longer an issue.
Toprak Razgatlioglu told me to go to MotoGP
The questions are: If MotoGP makes (theoretically) easier for WorldSBK riders to switch to MotoGP in 2027, will Razgatlioglu even move to 2026?
Because what if he gets on Michelin next year and returns to Pirellis in 2027 and he frys his brain for the season to realize he’s essentially doing the same job as everyone else who will adapt to his new tires?
The answer is that he should definitely go. The man is 29 years old and will be 30 next year. So, if becoming a MotoGP champion is something he legally wants to achieve, there’s no time to waste.
This is especially true if rumors reported by the Italian publication MotoSprint are writing Razgatlioglu offers a two-year (2026–27) contract from HRC, and an additional two-year option (2028–29).
“There is a well-founded foundation for this,” the report argues.
Such a contract gives him time to adapt to Honda and MotoGP, and at the same time gives him the opportunity to gain significant information on the development of the 850cc Honda.
With both Luca Marini and Johann Zarco not signing HRC at the end of the year, it certainly is a possible move for the two-time world champion, and it makes sense for Honda, who appears to have found performance at the RC213V.