MotoGP Podium Dreams: 2026 Reality Check

Toprak Razgatlioglu has conceded that he may not be able to score a podium in his rookie season in MotoGP this year.

PramacS new signing Razgatlioglu⁤ is among the most high-profile recruits to the premier class in recent years, having‍ won three World Superbike titles in the past five seasons.

But despite his pedigree, the Turk faces a steep learning ⁤curve‍ in MotoGP, with Yamaha’s V4-powered M1 ⁢representing a notable step up from the BMW M1000R he raced in World Superbikes in 2024-2025.

Razgatlioglu’s manager Kenan⁣ Sofuoglu has spoken openly about his expectations for ⁤the 29-year-old, insisting the goal is to challenge 2021‍ motogp champion Fabio Quartararo within Yamaha’s rider line-up.

But Razgatlioglu himself is keeping⁢ his ambitions in check, admitting it could be 2027 before he is able to fight⁢ for a first MotoGP podium.

“It’s not an easy year for me because this is a really big challenge for ⁣me,” he said at Pramac’s⁣ launch event.

“2026 is maybe the learning year for me. But 2027, after the‍ new rules, maybe ⁤we are fighting for the podium.

“This year ⁤is really⁢ vital for me. I need to ⁤adapt ‍to ‍the bike and⁢ I also need to learn some tracks. But I will try to do ⁢my best, like always.

“We are a big family. And everyone tries their⁣ best every year, every race weekend.⁤ And⁣ me too, I will try to do my best.”