Toprak Razgatlioglu’s Yamaha MotoGP contract is two years, not one, confirmed by Yamaha Racing boss Paolo Pavesio.
Information from Yamaha has been announced to announce the signature with Razgatlioglu’s Pramac Yamaha team for next year’s MotoGP campaign and was only referenced in 2026, not 2027.
However, Pavesio, managing director of Yamaha Motor Race, confirmed that Razugatriogul’s deal is “fixed” in two years, covering both 2026 and 2027.
“To make it very clear, it’s a two-year fixed agreement,” Pavesio appeared at Motogp.com’s Gear Up Preview Show in Mugello.
Pavesio, who worked with Top Lac Laz Gatrioguru when Turkish riders won the 2021 World Superbike Championship with Yamaha, added that the Valencia Test after the November season is likely to be Raz Gatrioguru’s first chance.
“I think the Valencia test is a realistic target,” he said.
“I also have to say that our relationship with BMW in this transition is truly specialized.
“So Valencia certainly does. If there’s a chance that they’ll do that before (…) then they’ll try to make sure that it’s happening.”
One aspect of Razgatlioglu’s long-term cheating accompanied by his move to MotoGP was his test with Yamaha in 2022, and from there he was negatively perceived.
Pavesio said Razgatlioglu’s struggle in these tests is about timing.
“I’ve heard a lot about this test,” he said.
First of all, Toprak (Razgatlioglu) did two tests with us. The first was a gift after the world title. The second was that Toprak understands itself with a slightly more structured approach to understanding Toprak in MotoGP.
“I really want to say that, but perhaps it wasn’t the right moment.
“I don’t think he was motivated enough to move on.
“It’s true, we weren’t ready now in terms of overall operational, packaging and performance, which is something everyone can see.
“It’s no secret that it was a moment that wasn’t particularly easy for us. We’re still on the journey. We haven’t done anything yet, but we’re on our way home, certainly a good moment, and certainly a good moment to do it now.”
Razgatlioglu’s movement can be considered a loss to WorldSBK. The Turkish rider has gained considerable support for his style, both on and off the track, when the Productions Derivative series will be taken from 2026.
However, Pavesio believes there is a positive aspect to losing the main star to WorldSBK.
“I think it’s a good move overall for the (MotoGP) paddock, as it’s a rider that many fans wanted to see on MotoGP,” Pavesio said.
“We’re happy because he really wants to do this because we can give him this opportunity once and then give him this opportunity.
“I think this is good for superbikes too, as it proves that superbikes can be a way to get to the top.”