Toprak Razgatlioglu will step up to MotoGP in 2026, but World Superbike rider Alex Lowes believes the Turkish star will face an uphill battle in the premier class.
Lowes, who debuted in WorldSBK in 2014, the same year Razgatlioglu competed in the Red Bull Rookies Cup and European Superstock 600, highlighted the difficulties riders face when transitioning from Superbike to MotoGP. Temporary MotoGP rides, such as Lowes’ own in 2016 with Tech3 Yamaha, are rare, and Razgatlioglu’s full-time move marks the first high-profile transfer of this kind in over a decade.
Source: AutoSports
Razgatlioglu’s WorldSBK record is impressive. He has won three world titles in the past five years and 78 races between 2019 and 2025, showcasing his talent and consistency. However, at 29 years old, Lowes believes Razgatlioglu has limited time to adapt, unlike younger riders such as Pedro Acosta or Fermin Aldeguer, who may have a decade or more at the top level.
Lowes pointed to the challenges of riding a Pramac Yamaha in 2026. The YZR-M1 has not won a race since 2022 and achieved only one podium in 2025. He said the uncompetitive machinery will make expectations difficult to meet.
“Toprak is going there on the worst bike, and that is just the reality,” Lowes said at the Motorcycle Live show in November 2025. “People forget how hard it is. Even Marc Marquez could not make an uncompetitive bike competitive. Fabio Quartararo adapted well to the Yamaha because it suited his style, but Toprak will need time to adjust. Whatever he does, many will judge him harshly, but it will be tough for anyone on that bike.”
Lowes emphasized that adaptation is normal when moving between championships, and that Razgatlioglu’s talent is undeniable. “He has something special, but MotoGP is more than riding ability. It is about the team, the tyres, the mentality, and the opportunities you get,” he said. “I hope he keeps his confidence, and as the rules and tyres evolve, he will have a more level chance to show what he can do.”
In short, while Razgatlioglu’s skill and track record make him a rider to watch, Lowes cautions that the 2026 season will be a significant challenge, requiring patience, adaptation, and mental resilience to succeed in MotoGP.
