Razgatlioglu Plays Down Podium Hopes in MotoGP Rookie Season
Published: Jan 19, 2026
Hassan
Writer
World Superbike star Toprak Razgatlioglu says his first MotoGP season will be about learning and adaptation, admitting a podium may be out of reach until at least 2027.
Toprak Razgatlioglu has tempered expectations ahead of his MotoGP debut, admitting that his rookie season with Pramac Yamaha is likely to be a year of learning rather than immediate results.
The three-time World Superbike champion is one of the most high-profile arrivals to MotoGP in recent years, but the 29-year-old faces a steep transition from production-based Superbikes to Yamaha’s MotoGP prototype.
“It’s not an easy year for me. This is a really big challenge,” Razgatlioglu said at Pramac’s team launch.
“This year is important for me to adapt to the bike and learn the tracks. Maybe 2027 is the time we can fight for the podium.”
“This year is important for me to adapt to the bike and learn the tracks. Maybe 2027 is the time we can fight for the podium.”
Razgatlioglu acknowledged that 2026 will largely be a development year, with expectations of stronger performance coming after MotoGP’s 2027 technical regulation changes. His move also involves switching from Pirelli tyres, used in World Superbikes, to Michelin, which adds another layer of complexity.
Despite his manager Kenan Sofuoglu publicly targeting a challenge to Yamaha’s lead rider Fabio Quartararo, Razgatlioglu remains focused on steady progress rather than headlines.
He has already completed two initial MotoGP tests at Aragon and Valencia and admitted he was surprised by the M1’s acceleration and straight-line speed, while stressing the need to better understand tyre behaviour.
“I need time to adapt and feel the limits, especially with the tyres,” he said. “But I will always try my best.”
