Yamaha expects World Superbike star Toprak Razgatlioglu to start preparations for his 2026 MotoGP swap “proper after the Superbike season” ends at Jerez on October 19.
That timeline suggests the Turkish star may participate in a personal take a look at earlier than the official Valencia MotoGP take a look at in mid-November.
“The state of affairs is that most probably he can have the chance to check proper after the Superbike season,” stated Yamaha Motor Racing Managing Director Paolo Pavesio.
“I’ve to say, I am actually grateful to BMW for the best way we’re dealing with all this.
“For certain, the truth that the rider is altering championships makes this simpler. And the truth that Toprak has already given BMW an important title makes their relationship very good.
“That is Toprak, he is a pleasant man, and folks wish to assist him as a lot as all of us can.”
Every time the take a look at takes place, it is going to be Razgatlioglu’s first time on the M1 since 2023, when he accomplished a second non-public outing with Yamaha – his former title-winning crew in WorldSBK – throughout rising hypothesis a couple of MotoGP swap.
However the efficiency throughout that take a look at fell wanting expectations, with Razgatlioglu reportedly 1.4s slower than KTM take a look at rider Dani Pedrosa and 1.0s off Yamaha’s take a look at rider Cal Crutchlow.
Razgatlioglu finally stayed in WorldSBK, however switched to BMW, the place he made historical past by profitable the title final season and is firmly in competition for a 3rd world crown earlier than he and Yamaha reunite in 2026.
“I believe to be very clear, that [previous MotoGP] take a look at was under Toprak’s expectations, but in addition in that second, perhaps we weren’t prepared,” stated Pavesio.
“It isn’t a secret that ’22, ’23, ’24 have been difficult years for Yamaha in MotoGP.
“And if you find yourself in difficulties, there are causes. We have been restructuring numerous our racing operation, together with the take a look at crew actions.
“There have been by no means onerous emotions between us. That take a look at did not go based on expectation, I believe for anyone. This was a set off for Toprak to search for a brand new problem [with BMW].
“Actually talking, after I see the story now, I am additionally pleased he might show himself on one other bike – proving that he can change bikes and form of bikes and nonetheless achieve success.
“This offers me much more hope or belief for the subsequent chapter [in MotoGP].”
Pavesio added: “He might have stayed right here, having fun with being the star of this paddock for a few years and I actually like that he desires the brand new problem.”
Regardless of long-time supervisor Kenan Sofuoglu beforehand insisting Toprak would solely transfer to MotoGP with a full manufacturing facility seat, the Yamaha deal is by way of a spot at Pramac.
“We’ve got two manufacturing facility groups in MotoGP. They’ve precisely the identical bikes,” Pavesio defined. “There are seven Yamaha engineers working inside Pramac. There is identical technical director, Max [Bartolini], behind each groups.
“So he will have a full manufacturing facility experience.
“And for me, to start out in a crew like Pramac may also be simpler. There is a bit much less strain. There’s a household ambiance nonetheless. There may be the total 100% technical manufacturing facility assist and a manufacturing facility contract.”
Razgatlioglu’s timing has raised some eyebrows, since he’ll spend his rookie MotoGP season adapting to Michelin tyres, ride-height units, and the present 1000cc bikes – all of which can disappear in 2027.
“For certain, there are issues that he’ll study even when the tyres, the bike, the ride-height gadget and many others, solely final for yet one more yr,” stated Pavesio.
“I believe the best way of working in MotoGP, the rhythm of the MotoGP season, with the variety of races, the variety of assessments, typically additionally the strain of MotoGP, it is also one thing it’s good to study.
“For me, the earlier the higher. Then we are going to see in ’27, when the bikes and tyres might be new for everybody. So perhaps studying these different issues prematurely will give him a greater beginning place for 2027.
“However earlier than ’27, the total focus, the total motivation, is in ’26.”
MotoGP’s 2027 tyre provider might be Pirelli, the model Razgatlioglu has years of expertise with in WorldSBK.
