BMW BOSS SAYS TOPRAK RAZGATLIOLU IS LIKELY TO STAY IN MOTOGP
3 Aug·
BMW’s senior leadership has played down speculation that Toprak Razgatlioglu could be heading back to World Superbikes, insisting the Turkish rider is likely to remain in MotoGP with Yamaha. The talk follows Razgatlioglu’s move to Pramac Yamaha for the 2026 season after he won a third WSBK title with BMW the year before, a background that has naturally fuelled interest in a sensational return.
BMW director Sven Blusch told Speedweek there have been no conversations about bringing Razgatlioglu back to the German marque. “There have been no talks in that direction,” Blusch said. He added that, based on his meetings with the rider, he expects Razgatlioglu to continue his MotoGP journey. “My feeling after meeting Toprak is that he’s slowly settling into the MotoGP paddock and will be staying there for the foreseeable future.” Blusch also acknowledged that BMW would listen if circumstances changed, but said he does not see a shift happening now: “If there were a possibility of bringing him back, we’re always open to discussions. But I don’t see that happening at the moment.”
Razgatlioglu’s first year in the premier class has been challenging. The 29-year-old has struggled to adapt to Michelin tyres and to extract the most from the YZR-M1, with sprint races highlighted as a particular weakness. He has scored just 12 points so far.
While the BMW speculation continues, sources close to Razgatlioglu indicate he will fulfil his Yamaha contract, which runs until 2027, and that he will remain with Pramac. Next season, Jorge Martin and Ai Ogura are set to join the factory Yamaha team, while Razgatlioglu will be looking ahead to the 2027 regulation changes—less aero, ride height devices banned, and Pirelli tyres—hoping the new direction helps him unlock better results.
The wider paddock picture also includes Brad Binder joining BMW next season after losing his KTM MotoGP seat, but for now Blusch’s message is clear: Razgatlioglu’s future, at least in the near term, is still in MotoGP.