Reports state that there has been a “major acceleration” in talks between Toprak Razgatlioglu and Pramac Yamaha for the 2026 MotoGP season.
Over the past few years, the Turkish rider has been heavily linked with a move to MotoGP, but no switch across has materialised.
The reigning WorldSBK champion’s contract with BMW expires at the end of the 2025 season, with multiple rumoured options reportedly on the table regarding Razgatlioglu’s future.
Razgatlioglu won his championships with Yamaha and BMW, and the rider has previously stated that this is his final chance to switch series.
Despite previously testing the Yamaha MotoGP bike in a series of private tests in the past, which left him dissatisfied, the two-time champion left the Japanese team to join BMW in 2024.
However, GPOne reports that Razgatlioglu has a good relationship with Yamaha’s new Managing Director, Paolo Pavesio.
In a previous interview with MotoGP’s Gear Up programme, Pavesio previously stated: “The relationship with Toprak has been built from four years working together, which brought us a world championship.
“This remains one of my personal highlights as well.
“He’s still today the most victorious Yamaha Superbike rider ever. And it’s a positive, very respectful relationship, which will keep going.”
This news comes after the 28-year-old previously dismissed rumours of a potential move to Honda’s WorldSBK team in 2026, followed by a move to its MotoGP project in 2027.
GPOne added that the “unexplored Turkish market” could be seen as an ideal opportunity for Liberty Media to grow the sport in untapped regions.
It is unknown who Razgatlioglu would directly replace should an agreement be made, but incumbent rider Jack Miller previously agreed on a one-year deal which expires at the end of 2025.
Speedweek reports that Sky Italia MotoGP reporter Sandro Donato Grosso predicts an announcement will be made at Mugello during the Italian Grand Prix on June 20-22.
Grosso’s strong ties with Pramac boss Paolo Campinoti position him as a key ally, predicting that Campinoti is expected to unveil the team’s 2026 line-up at its home race.
READ MORE – Toprak Razgatlioglu has ‘opportunities’ in MotoGP and WorldSBK in 2026
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