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Turkish rider Toprak Razgatlioglu is set to make his MotoGP debut, becoming the first from Türkiye to compete in the sport’s top tier after winning his third World Superbike Championship (WSBK) title in 2025.
Razgatlioglu previously won WSBK titles in 2021, 2024, and 2025, completing eight seasons in the series before deciding to make the jump to MotoGP. Now 29 years old, Razgatlioglu is set to compete in his first MotoGP race on March 1 at the Thailand Grand Prix.
In an interview with state-run Anadolu Agency, Razgatlioglu said that his motivation is not merely symbolic, saying, "I am not moving to MotoGP just to be the first Turk there. In Superbikes, I’ve done all I could do. So I’m going to MotoGP with the mindset of, ‘Why not become champion here too? ’"
Razgatlioglu acknowledged that his first year in MotoGP is expected to be difficult, but he is optimistic about the coming seasons. "Of course, the first season will be very tough. But I believe 2027 will be better for us," he said, citing upcoming technical changes in the sport.
Notably, engine capacity will be reduced from 1000cc to 800cc, and a new tire supplier will be introduced, factors he sees as potentially leveling the playing field.
Razgatlioglu emphasized that few riders have successfully transitioned from WSBK to MotoGP, and none have won titles in both.
"If we can achieve this in MotoGP, it will be a first," he said. "Becoming world champion in both Superbike and MotoGP would be incredible."
He added that his long-term goal is to end his career in MotoGP, provided his performance supports it.
The Turkish rider also highlighted the wider implications of his success. "Motorsports are not well-known in Türkiye. If I can win a MotoGP championship and bring it to my country, I will have reached one of my biggest goals," he said.
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