Toprak Razgatlioglu is becoming increasingly recognizable, and the big question now is whether 2027 could mark a stronger comeback for Turkey in MotoGP.
After earning his third World Superbike champion’s crown at the FIM Awards on Saturday, Razgatlioglu reflected on how his life has shifted since reaching the pinnacle of WorldSBK. He began as a world champion with Yamaha in 2021 and finished his WorldSBK career on a high note with back-to-back titles for BMW. The victory places him alongside WorldSBK icon Troy Bayliss in terms of total championships, with only Carl Fogarty (4) and Jonathan Rea (6) having more.
In an interview on the red carpet in Switzerland, Razgatlioglu told double WorldSBK champion James Toseland that he had once aimed to be a one-time world champion, and now that dream has expanded—three titles—and he sees MotoGP as the next challenge.
The move up to MotoGP has amplified Razgatlioglu’s profile back home in Turkey, where he says he’s becoming better known. “Everyone is very happy [in Turkey]… I’m getting more famous,” he remarked. While this recognition is welcome, it also brings extra scrutiny when he’s out in public, like at restaurants, where he often has to deal with fans. Still, he notes that visibility is a positive sign for the sport in Turkey, where football has traditionally dominated, and hopes that MotoGP success could spur broader interest in motorsports.
Everything is lined up for Razgatlioglu’s Turkish MotoGP debut, with a two-year contract at Pramac Yamaha. His high-profile move has fueled speculation about Istanbul Park’s return to the world championship calendar.
MotoGP hasn’t raced at Istanbul Park since 2007, but Razgatlioglu told Speedweek.com that “everything is ready” for a comeback. He pointed to fresh asphalt and prepared facilities, noting that a Turkish Grand Prix could be ideal in 2027 rather than in his first season.
For his second MotoGP season, Razgatlioglu will experience a switch from Michelin to Pirelli tires, a change familiar from WorldSBK, and the introduction of new 850cc engines. He expressed a preference for a 2027 Turkish GP, aiming to stand on the podium on home soil.
The broader paddock picture remains dynamic, with Peter sharing observations from his 20 years in racing—from Valentino Rossi’s era to the current moments surrounding Suzuki’s exit and Marc Márquez’s ongoing injury challenges.
