Speculation on Toprak Razgatlioglu’s Move to MotoGP
New rumors are circulating within the World Superbike paddock regarding reigning champion Toprak Razgatlioglu potentially moving to MotoGP. This transition might happen via a somewhat indirect route, as it is suggested he could first join Honda’s underperforming superbike team for the 2026 season before advancing to MotoGP when revamped regulations are introduced in 2027.
Previous Attempts at a MotoGP Transition
Razgatlioglu, a two-time WSBK champion, has previously been rumored to be making a MotoGP switch; however, none of these negotiations have succeeded, largely due to his preference for transferring from a factory WSBK team to a factory team in the MotoGP category.
Past Links to MotoGP Teams
Earlier speculations included potential moves to satellite Ducati team Pramac and Yamaha’s MotoGP outfit, but these plans fell through after a disappointing test on Yamaha’s M1 machine at Aragon, which left both parties dissatisfied with the performance results.
Fresh Opportunities with Honda
According to sources from The Race, a new opportunity may be emerging for Razgatlioglu to transition to MotoGP, this time with Honda. His brief initial engagement would involve leading Honda’s production bike project as he anticipates the arrival of the new 850cc MotoGP machines in 2027.
Tyre Change as an Advantage
This upcoming rule change could drastically alter the current MotoGP landscape dominated by Ducati, and Razgatlioglu’s extensive experience with Pirelli tyres is seen as a significant advantage in this scenario.
Handling Contract Speculations
Rumors have surfaced about Razgatlioglu potentially joining Honda as early as the 2026 season, especially given that his current contract with BMW concludes this year. However, Razgatlioglu refuted claims about having signed any deal with Honda and emphasized that he has not engaged in discussions regarding wildcards.
Manager’s Perspective and Future Outlook
While Razgatlioglu’s manager, Kenan Sofuoglu, typically promotes any MotoGP opportunities for his rider, his recent downplaying of the Honda connection could indicate that there’s more truth to the rumors this time. According to Sofuoglu, no clear plans for Razgatlioglu’s future are established, although they are currently focused on securing a second title with BMW.
