Paolo Pavesio reveals why Yamaha recruited Toprak Razgatlioglu

Yamaha Managing Director, Paolo Pavesio, has revealed the reasoning behind recruiting Toprak Razgatlioglu for the 2026 MotoGP season — the Turkish rider will join the Prima Pramac Yamaha team.

This decision was based on Razgatlioglu’s impressive achievement of securing the Superbike championship for Yamaha four years ago — the team’s first title since Ben Spies era in 2009.

Prior to signing the contract, Razgatlioglu underwent a series of tests with the YZR M-1:

• Testing session at Motorland Aragon in 2022
• Further testing at Jerez Circuit in 2023

“This rider has proven his ability to compete at the highest level of motorcycle racing,” stated Pavesio.