Yamaha expects world superbike star Toprak Razgatlioglu to begin preparing for the 2026 MotoGP switch at Jerez on October 19th.
That timeline suggests that the Turkish star could take part in a private test before the Valencia MotoGP test in mid-November.
“The situation is likely to be that he will test right after the superbike season,” said Paolo Pavesio, managing director of Yamaha Motor Race.
“I have to say, I’m really grateful to BMW for the way we handle all of this.
“The fact that riders are changing the championship makes this easier, and the fact that Toprak has already given BMW a very important title makes their relationship very great.
“This is a top rack. He’s a good guy and people want to support him as much as we can.”
Every time a test is done, during the growth of speculations about MotoGP switches, Razgatriogle will be performed on the M1 for the first time since 2023 with the M1.
However, the performance during that test did not meet expectations. Razgatlioglu is reportedly 1.4 seconds slower than KTM test rider Dani Pedrosa and 1.0 seconds slower than Yamaha test rider Cal Crutchlow.
Razgatlioglu ended up staying at WorldSBK, but switched to BMW, winning the title last season to make history, and is firmly competing with the Third World Crown before Yamaha reunites in 2026.
“I think there’s a lot of transparency that (previously MotoGP) testing was below Toprak’s expectations, but maybe they weren’t ready at that moment,” Pavesio said.
“It’s no secret that ’22, ’23 and ’24 were challenging years for Yamaha at MotoGP.
“And when you are in difficulties, there is a reason: we were restructuring a lot of racing strategies, including the work of our test team.
“There was never a difficult feeling between us. The test was not based on expectations. I think it would be for everyone and for everyone. This was the trigger for Toprak to look for new challenges (using a BMW).
“To be honest, when I see the story now, I’m also happy that he can prove himself on another bike – proving that he can still succeed by changing bikes and bikes.
“This gives us more hope and confidence in the next chapter (MotoGP).”
Pavesio added: “He may have enjoyed staying here and being a star of this paddock for many years.
Longtime manager Kenan Sofuoglu previously claimed that Toprak would move to MotoGP with full factory seating, but Yamaha’s deals go via Pramac’s location.
“MotoGP has two factory teams. They have the exact same bike,” explained Pavesio. “There are seven Yamaha engineers working within Pramac. Behind both teams is Max (Baltolini), the same technical director.
“So he’s going to get into a full factory.
“And for me it’s easy to start with a team like Pramac. There’s a little less pressure. There’s still a family vibe. There’s a full 100% technical factory support and factory contracts.”
Razgatlioglu’s timing is raising the eyebrows to adapt his rookie MotoGP season to Michelin tires, ride height devices and current 1000cc bikes. All of these will disappear in 2027.
“It’s true, even if tires, bicycles, ride height devices and more last just one year, he’s still learning,” Pavesio said.
“I think how you work with MotoGP, the rhythm of the MotoGP season, the number of races, the number of tests, and sometimes the pressure of MotoGP, that’s something you need to learn as well.
“For me, the sooner the better. In 27, the bike and tires will be new to everyone. So learning other things in advance might give you a better starting position for 2027.
“But before ’27, there’s a perfect motivation in ’26, which is the perfect focus.”
MotoGP’s 2027 tire supplier is Pirelli, and the brand Razgatlioglu has years of experience with WorldSBK.