BMW denies: No talks about Toprak’s return

Toprak Razgatlioglu’s first few months in MotoGP have proved more difficult than many fans had expected. The three-time Superbike World Champion is struggling with a less-than-competitive M1 in the Pramac Yamaha team and, heading into the summer break, sits in 21st place in the World Championship with just twelve points.

His limited success has recently sparked a great deal of speculation. Several media outlets have already linked Razgatlioglu with a return to the Superbike World Championship and to his former employer, BMW. However, according to information from SPEEDWEEK.com, there is currently no basis for this whatsoever.

BMW: Close contact with Razgatlioglu, but nothing more

“There have been no discussions along those lines,” BMW Motorsport Director Sven Blusch clarified to SPEEDWEEK.com. Whilst BMW remains in close contact with its former successful rider, there are no concrete plans for a return.

Sven Blusch (BMW)

Foto: BMW

“My feeling, having met Toprak, is that he has gradually settled into the MotoGP paddock and will be staying there for some time,” explained Blusch, who attended the MotoGP round in Brno. “If there were an opportunity to bring him back, we’d always be open to discussions. But I don’t see that happening at the moment.”

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Sources close to the Turkish rider also suggest that Razgatlioglu intends to fulfil his contract with Yamaha, which runs until the end of 2027. For the former Superbike World Champion, it was clear from the outset that his debut season would primarily be a learning experience.

A new era in MotoGP: High hopes for 2027

Furthermore, MotoGP is set to undergo far-reaching rule changes in 2027. The prototypes will be fitted with 850cc engines, height-adjustable suspension will be banned, and manufacturers will have less freedom with aerodynamics next year than before. Of particular importance to Razgatlioglu: after many years on Michelin tyres, MotoGP will switch to Pirelli tyres – the manufacturer with whom the Turkish rider spent his entire Superbike career and won three world titles.

Toprak Razgatlioglu auf der 850er-Yamaha in Brünn

Foto: David Ulrich

This means that the 2027 season is likely to be the real test for Razgatlioglu. If Yamaha manages to produce a more competitive bike under the new regulations, the Turkish rider could realise his potential much more effectively. If, on the other hand, the upward trend fails to materialise, his long-term future in MotoGP is likely to be reassessed.

There is no doubt that the Superbike World Championship would welcome Razgatlioglu back with open arms at any time. At present, however, there are no indications that a return is imminent as early as after the 2026 season. Rather, both Razgatlioglu and Yamaha are focusing on the new 2027 MotoGP regulations, which could offer the Turkish rider significantly better conditions.