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Yamaha has declined a crucial request from Turkish rider Toprak Razgatlioglu, who is on the verge of clinching his third World Superbike (WSBK) championship and preparing to step up to MotoGP in 2026, according to Turkish media.
The 28-year-old racer, currently competing with BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team, had hoped to bring his long-time crew chief Phil Marron with him to Yamaha’s MotoGP setup.
However, the Japanese manufacturer decided against the move after internal changes in recent months.
Razgatlioglu and Marron have worked together since 2018, forming one of the most successful rider–engineer duos in recent Superbike history.
The pair collaborated through multiple teams — Puccetti Kawasaki, Yamaha Factory Racing, and BMW — achieving over 160 podiums and over 70 race wins in 252 starts.
During contract talks earlier this year, Razgatlioglu reportedly made Marron’s inclusion one of his key conditions.
At the time, Yamaha was said to be open to the idea. But after a reshuffle within the company, the stance changed.
A senior Yamaha executive told Speedweek.com that the decision was based on the brand’s current technical direction:
“We are in a very challenging phase of development. Working with a crew chief who hasn’t been active in MotoGP for a long time would not help us. We have great respect for Phil Marron, but we believe Toprak should work with someone who is fully familiar with current MotoGP technology.”
As a result, Yamaha assigned Italian engineer Alberto Giribuola as Razgatlioglu’s new technical chief.
Giribuola most recently served as crew chief for Enea Bastianini at Red Bull KTM Tech3, bringing recent top-level MotoGP experience to the role.
Razgatlioglu signed a two-year deal with Yamaha in May 2025 to race for Pramac Racing during the 2026 and 2027 seasons.
The decision to deny his request marks a turning point in his career as he transitions from superbikes to the world’s premier motorcycle racing series.
Although he will not have Marron in his garage, Yamaha hopes the addition of Giribuola will provide the technical expertise necessary to help the Turkish star adapt quickly to the highly competitive MotoGP field.
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