Two-time WorldSBK Champion’s move raises questions over Jack Miller’s future as the Japanese marque shuffles its rider lineup
Yamaha has announced that two-time WorldSBK Champion Toprak Razgatlıoğlu will return to the Japanese marque and make his long-anticipated debut in MotoGP, joining the factory-supported Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP Team in 2026. The Turkish sensation, widely considered one of the most talented riders in World Superbike history, will finally step up to the premier class after years of speculation and fan anticipation.
“Toprak, the most victorious Yamaha rider of all time in Superbike, has proven to be an exceptional talent, securing the WorldSBK Title twice, which is no mean feat,” said Paolo Pavesio, Managing Director of Yamaha Motor Racing. “We are thrilled to welcome Toprak back into the Yamaha family. His transition to MotoGP is both a ‘homecoming’ and an exciting new challenge that’s been set up with the clear goal of progressive growth over time. His fighting spirit and determination are a perfect fit for both the Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP Team and Yamaha’s bold MotoGP strategy, so we believe 2026 is the right time to make the move that many fans have been waiting for.”
Razgatlıoğlu’s journey to MotoGP has been a storied one. He began riding at the age of five on a Yamaha PW50. By 2014, Toprak was already on the radar with a dominant single-race win in STK600 at Magny-Cours before taking the title the following year with five victories in seven races. A stint in the STK1000 class saw him finish second overall in 2017, narrowly missing the title by just eight points. He made his WorldSBK debut in 2018 with independent Kawasaki machinery and quickly made headlines with podium finishes at Donington and Villicum. After a breakthrough season that included two wins in 2019, Razgatlıoğlu moved to Yamaha and found his stride.
It was with the Iwata-based manufacturer that ‘El Turco’ truly cemented his legacy—claiming the 2021 WorldSBK title with 13 wins and 29 podiums in that season alone. Over four years with Yamaha (2020–2023), he captured 37 wins and 100 podiums. He then shifted to BMW for 2024 and 2025, immediately making an impact by setting a new record for consecutive wins with 13 triumphs in a row in 2024. He clinched the title in dramatic style despite missing two rounds due to injury.
As exciting as the prospect of watching Toprak’s audacious riding style in GP is, his arrival at Pramac creates an unavoidable ripple effect—particularly for Aussie favourite Jack Miller. Currently contracted only through the end of 2025, Miller has been outperforming teammate Miguel Oliveira this season, and while Miguel has a contract for 2026, it is understood either Yamaha or Oliveira can activate a clause to terminate the deal early should they wish to. Miller is well liked by the Japanese factory, and his selection for the Suzuka 8-hour might also count in his favour.
Miller’s recent form arguably boosts his case for retention, but his contract status makes him vulnerable. At 30, Miller may also not fit the young-gun demographic that Pramac have traditionally opted for. Speculation is already swirling that Pramac could consider a complete overhaul of their rider line-up for 2026, with talents like Aron Canet or Manuel Gonzalez from Moto2 could be waiting in the wings.
The move obviously has ramifications for BMW’s WorldSBK team as well, as they face the daunting task of trying to replace their only ever WorldSBK champion. No other BMW rider has managed to get on the podium this year, where Toprak has won 3 races and taken 7 podium finishes from the 10 races so far. Jonathon Rea is reportedly keen to find a more competitive ride in 2026, though he may be hoping to replace Alvaro Bautista if Ducati decide not to renew the Spaniard’s contract for next season.
What is certain is that Razgatlıoğlu’s move marks a significant chapter in both his career and Yamaha’s MotoGP ambitions. His arrival injects fresh interest into the premier class scene and raises questions about how his aggressive, flamboyant Superbike style will translate to prototype machinery. While his raw talent is undeniable, the uphill battle he faces is real. History has not been kind to Superbike champions crossing over to Grand Prix racing; only a handful have claimed victory in MotoGP, and none have successfully mounted a consistent title challenge. Despite turning 30 in 2026, Toprak remains fiercely motivated to prove he belongs among the elite in the premier class. “If I go to MotoGP and adapt to the bike, we’ll see. It’s a different world,” he acknowledged earlier this year. Armed with factory backing through Yamaha’s close collaboration with Pramac, Razgatlıoğlu will have stronger support than some of his WorldSBK predecessors, although the path he treads remains historically unforgiving. Still, his unique aggression, relentless determination, and experience working with multiple manufacturers suggest that if anyone can buck the trend, it might just be ‘El Turco’.
