BMW says losing Toprak Razgatlioglu departure from its WorldSBK team to join Pramac Yamaha in MotoGP feels like “losing a family member.”
Razgatlioglu and the Bavarian brand achieved a landmark feat in 2024, winning the WorldSBK Championship at their first attempt together.
BMW also earned its first championship on two-wheels after entering the series in a collaboration with Shaun Muir Racing in 2019.
Sven Blusch, Head of BMW Motorrad Motorsport, expressed his support for Razgatlioglu on his next chapter despite his departure: “For us, it’s hard to lose him for sure,” he told media at Misano.
“We all knew he had this big dream of going to MotoGP which we can’t offer him.
“From our side we wish him all the best. For sure, we are losing an amazing rider but even more an amazing personality.
“Everything grew to a family here together and losing a family member isn’t easy. It’s like that and we wish him all the best for next year and I think even more we have the goal to win the championship this year.
“We will always look back fondly on our successful partnership, our historic championship win, and many other great moments.
“We are very grateful to Toprak for everything he has contributed to our WorldSBK project. But it’s not yet time to say goodbye.”
With the reigning WorldSBK champion ten points behind Ducati rider Nicolo Bulega in the standings at the halfway stage, both parties have admitted that a dream farewell would be winning the title once again.
“More than half of the 2025 WorldSBK season still lies ahead, and we have a clear goal that we will continue to work hard toward.
“Our joint focus for the rest of this season is the mission to successfully defend the world title.”
READ MORE – Former WorldSBK champion explains changes Toprak Razgatlioglu must make ahead of MotoGP switch
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