Yamaha’s Turnaround? Toprak Could Stand Alongside Quartararo in MotoGP 2027

The tides are shifting in Yamaha’s MotoGP project, and Toprak Razgatlioglu might be the man to help steer the ship. With his sensational promotion to Pramac Yamaha for 2026, all eyes are already on what could come next — a dream partnership with Fabio Quartararo at the factory Monster Energy Yamaha team in 2027.

It’s not just speculation. According to Razgatlioglu himself, “It’s an option.”

The MotoGP Leap Confirmed – But What Comes After?

Fresh off a confirmed move to MotoGP in 2026, Toprak Razgatlioglu, the reigning WorldSBK champion, will ride for Pramac Yamaha in his rookie season in the premier class. It’s a highly anticipated switch, and while his contract is focused on next year, the door to the factory Yamaha team in 2027 is wide open — if he performs.

Speaking during the Emilia-Romagna WorldSBK weekend, Razgatlioglu told GPOne:

“I don’t know if I will be competitive enough in 2026, maybe it [moving to the factory Yamaha team in 2027] could happen, so next year will be very important… If I do well, it’s an option, we’ll see.”

The statement has set the MotoGP world abuzz.

Yamaha’s Desperate Need for Revival — and a New Star

Fabio Quartararo has committed to Yamaha through 2026, a sign of faith in the manufacturer despite the team’s recent performance woes. But even with a contract in place, the 2025-2026 seasons will be critical for Yamaha’s image — and they’re clearly planning long-term.

Current teammate Alex Rins has shown flashes of brilliance, but whether he’ll continue beyond 2026 is unclear. Yamaha may need a spark — someone with flair, unpredictability, and race-winning pedigree. Enter Toprak.

The Turkish superstar’s aggressive yet precise riding style, explosive braking, and championship mindset make him the most compelling wildcard Yamaha could bring into their top team — if the transition from WorldSBK to MotoGP goes smoothly.

Performance Will Be the Decider

Razgatlioglu is under no illusions about the challenge ahead. While his WorldSBK dominance is unquestionable, MotoGP is a different beast. It’s why his rookie campaign with Pramac Yamaha will be under a microscope.

Yamaha has structured the deal smartly: a proving ground year with satellite support, where performance will dictate the next step. If Toprak delivers top-10 finishes, consistent race pace, and perhaps even a podium or two, Yamaha might be forced to act.

And if he doesn’t? Then the factory spot remains a dream deferred.

Riding with Emotion: The Father’s Dream Comes True

For Razgatlioglu, this isn’t just about contracts and strategy — it’s deeply personal. After completing a stunning hat-trick of wins at Misano, Toprak paid tribute to his late father, Arif Razgatlioglu, a renowned Turkish stunt rider, with a handwritten cardboard sign that read like a love letter to a fulfilled promise.

“My father died in 2017 and his biggest dream was that, one day, his son would go to MotoGP,” Razgatlioglu told WorldSBK.com.
“Finally, this one has come true. I was almost crying. We are coming always step-by-step.”

That emotional message not only struck a chord with fans but reminded the paddock of the burning fire behind Toprak’s ambition.

Dominating WorldSBK in Style — Still Chasing a Legacy

Even amid the MotoGP excitement, Razgatlioglu remains laser-focused on the 2025 WorldSBK title. Currently trailing Nicolo Bulega by just nine points, Toprak has made it clear:

“My biggest dream, my biggest goal, is to get [to MotoGP] after also winning the 2025 title here in Superbike.”

His dominant triple-win at Misano, aided in part by Bulega’s misfortunes in the Superpole Race, brought him within touching distance of the lead. It was his second hat-trick of the season, further proving that he’s leaving no doubt about his talent — and building more momentum before his leap to MotoGP.

Can Toprak Handle the MotoGP Beast?

The biggest question hanging over Razgatlioglu’s head isn’t about passion or speed — it’s whether he can adapt to the technical demands of MotoGP machinery.

His WorldSBK skills — phenomenal late braking, aggressive racecraft, and tire management — are tailor-made for superbikes. But MotoGP bikes require more finesse, advanced electronics understanding, and intense development feedback, something that takes time to master.

Still, those who’ve followed Toprak’s rise believe his raw speed and determination could make up for any initial shortcomings.

Yamaha’s Vision: Quartararo and Toprak – the Dream Duo?

Imagine a 2027 factory Yamaha team led by Fabio Quartararo, a former world champion hungry for redemption, and Toprak Razgatlioglu, the showman with a point to prove.

The pairing would combine cold efficiency with fiery flair — and could offer Yamaha a powerful identity shift as they attempt to rise back to the top of MotoGP.

If Yamaha wants a lineup that’s both competitive and marketable, this duo could be the golden ticket. It would mark a fresh chapter, similar to when they signed Valentino Rossi alongside Jorge Lorenzo — one a proven leader, the other a bold risk with spectacular upside.

Final Thoughts: 2026 Is Just the Beginning

Toprak Razgatlioglu’s MotoGP journey hasn’t even started, and yet 2027 is already on the radar — for him, for Yamaha, and for fans worldwide. But he knows it all comes down to what happens next year.

He must hit the ground running with Pramac Yamaha in 2026 to unlock the door to the factory seat. No freebies. No assumptions. Just results.

Still, one thing’s for sure: Razgatlioglu isn’t chasing this dream alone. He’s carrying the weight of his father’s legacy, the hopes of Turkish motorsport fans, and now, possibly, Yamaha’s MotoGP revival.

And if he delivers, MotoGP 2027 could be explosive.