Two-time WorldSBK champion Toprak Razgatlioglu shares his MotoGP and Superbike ambitions beyond the 2025 season.
The Turkish rider stole the show throughout 2024, achieving a record-breaking 13 race wins in a row on his way to securing his second title in the series.
He won with the Bavarian manufacturer BMW in his first season, a manufacturer that had never claimed the championship in the series.
As a result of these achievements, Razgatlioglu’s connection to a MotoGP ride has grown, with the rider himself acknowledging his interest in the series.
“Now I’m happy in the [World] Superbike paddock, and everyone says the Turkish star ‘El Turco’, that’s nice, but I have a dream also for the MotoGP,” Razgatlioglu told VenalGP.
“After the next year [in 2025], I have a plan [for] GP, but I need a good contract. I don’t have a dream, you know, ‘I am the first Turkish MotoGP rider’; this is not my dream.
“My dream when I’m going to the MotoGP is some podiums, winning. I hope this is the biggest dream for me. ‘The MotoGP world champion’ – this is a dream, but we will see in the future, especially next year, maybe four or five months later, I think starting talking to some things, maybe also the MotoGP side.”
Toprak Razgatlioglu reveals the only factor that could stop MotoGP switch
Razgatlioglu’s BMW contract expires at the end of the 2025 season, and he believes that the only thing that could hinder his chances of getting a full-time seat is his age.
Only a limited number of seats will be available, as only four MotoGP riders have contracts expiring after the 2025 season: Luca Marini, Jack Miller, Franco Morbidelli, and Johann Zarco.
He previously admitted that this would be his final chance to switch to MotoGP. However, a prior test with Yamaha saw disappointing results for both parties, making a possible return to the Japanese brand unlikely.
If no MotoGP opportunity arises, despite it being his preferred destination, Razgatlioglu will focus on remaining in WorldSBK and achieving a feat no rider has accomplished before.
“But my age also next year [in 2025] 29, I’m almost a limit, and my feeling is the limit, but if 2026 if I am not going to the MotoGP, I have a different plan because of before any rider not to get three different brands the world title if I’m staying in the Superbike product again. But my biggest target MotoGP,” he revealed.
