Historic switch: From the WSBK title to the premier class
Toprak Razgatlıoğlu becomes the first Superbike World Champion since Ben Spies (2010) to take the step up to MotoGP. For Yamaha, this is not just a gain in prestige, but a clear commitment to the talent and potential of the 28-year-old Turk.
Back in spring 2024, Razgatlıoğlu hinted at the WSBK round in Assen that a switch in 2026 was his goal. The rumors intensified when Yamaha MotoGP Race Director Paolo Pavesio traveled to Turkey especially to clarify the contract details in person.
BMW loses its star rider – the “Toprak factor” was decisive
This change is a bitter setback for BMW. After signing Razgatlıoğlus for the 2024 season, it quickly became clear that he was the missing piece of the puzzle in the Munich-based manufacturer’s long-standing race to catch up in the Superbike World Championship.
In his first season with BMW, Razgatlıoğlu won 13 races in a row and 18 races in total – despite missing six races due to injury. In the end, he was crowned world champion with a 43-point lead over his closest rival, Nicolo Bulega (Ducati). 27 podium finishes in 30 races underline his dominance.
These successes were made possible, among other things, by special technical regulations that BMW used in 2024 to significantly improve the chassis – changes that were not provided for in the regular regulations. However, these concessions were withdrawn for the 2025 season.
Top performer without comparison
While team-mate Michael van der Mark benefited from the chassis modifications and finished sixth in the world championship, the picture in 2025 was very different: Razgatlıoğlu finished on the podium eleven times in 15 races, took six wins and is currently second overall with 221 points. Van der Mark, on the other hand, has only scored 56 points so far and is in 14th place.
The difference is obvious – and confirms how dependent BMW’s WSBK project has become on Razgatlıoğlu’s ability.
No room for MotoGP at BMW – Yamaha offers the future
Although BMW tried everything in recent months to keep Toprak, they were unable to fulfill one crucial wish: a place in MotoGP. This option remains out of the question at BMW.
Yamaha, on the other hand, offers Razgatlıoğlu a competitive bike with the Pramac team – technically at the same level as the factory bike ridden by Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins. This also means that the close partnership with Red Bull will continue.
It is still unclear who will have to make way for Razgatlıoğlu in the Pramac team: Jack Miller or Miguel Oliveira are considered to be shaky candidates. The final decision is to be made public at the Grand Prix in Mugello from June 20 to 22.
The search for a successor at BMW has begun
For BMW, Razgatlıoğlu’s departure means not only a sporting but also a strategic change. Motorsport Director Sven Blusch faces the difficult task of finding an adequate successor. Young, available top riders are in short supply in WSBK. There are hardly any candidates under the age of 30 who are also contractually available.
A look at the MotoGP field of riders shows possible options, including Franco Morbidelli, Raul Fernandez and Johann Zarco. However, some of these riders are already in talks with other manufacturers or are looking to extend their contract in MotoGP. The competition with Honda makes the situation even more difficult.
Conclusion
Toprak Razgatlıoğlu’s move to MotoGP is a major turning point – a coup for Yamaha and a loss for BMW. While the exceptional Turkish rider will start in the premier class in 2026, a difficult phase of realignment in the Superbike World Championship begins for BMW. The “Toprak factor” has made the difference – and leaves a gap that will be difficult to close.
