News summary
- Toprak Razgatlioglu does not consider further development of Yamaha’s 2026 MotoGP bike a priority, arguing that the season is already nearing its end.
- The Turkish rider believes Yamaha should focus its resources on the new 850cc prototype that will debut in 2027.
- Razgatlioglu will also face a major change next season with Pirelli replacing Michelin as MotoGP’s exclusive tire supplier.
Toprak Razgatlioglu has made it clear that he would rather Yamaha focus its development efforts on the 2027 850cc MotoGP project than introduce significant updates to the current M1 during the final races of the 2026 season.
The Prima Pramac Yamaha rider is in his rookie MotoGP campaign and has already begun looking toward next year’s major technical overhaul. From 2027, the premier class will switch from 1000cc to 850cc engines, while aerodynamic restrictions will become tighter and ride-height devices will be banned.
Razgatlioglu was asked whether he expected Yamaha to introduce an engine update for the current 1000cc V4 before the end of the season. His response was unequivocal.
“I don’t know. But I don’t care about this, because next year is more important for me, and I think for us,” Razgatlioglu said.
The Turkish rider believes that the timing of any new component for the current motorcycle makes it less valuable, with the championship already well into its second half.
“It’s better if Yamaha focus more on 850, this is much better for me. Because this season is almost done. We are not in the beginning,” he added.
“If they bring something new, it’s too late. It’s better we focus on 850. This is my opinion.”
Razgatlioglu looks ahead to 2027
The switch to 850cc engines is only one part of the technical revolution scheduled for next season. MotoGP will also introduce reduced aerodynamic allowances and a ban on ride-height and holeshot devices, fundamentally changing the characteristics of the motorcycles.
The tire supplier will change as well. Pirelli will become MotoGP’s exclusive tire supplier from 2027, replacing Michelin after the end of the current technical regulations. The agreement runs through 2031.
The change could be particularly interesting for Razgatlioglu, who arrives in MotoGP after winning three World Superbike titles and therefore has extensive experience with Pirelli tires. Pirelli has been the exclusive tire supplier in WorldSBK for years.
Razgatlioglu has previously spoken positively about the characteristics of the 2027 regulations and sees the new era as an opportunity for Yamaha to make a significant step forward.
For now, however, the Yamaha rider is still learning how to extract performance from the current V4-powered M1. At Aragón, he highlighted one of the bike’s biggest weaknesses: lack of top speed on the long back straight. He explained that the Yamaha is competitive when exiting corners but loses ground once the other bikes reach higher gears.
That deficit also forces Yamaha riders to compensate under braking. Razgatlioglu has therefore been working on improving his corner-entry and mid-corner performance, an area he believes could remain important with the 850cc motorcycles.
“I am learning. Also this weekend, I learned something, because it’s the first time I’m riding with this different setup,” he said at Aragón. “Normally I never ride like this, but yesterday I understand, we need a turning bike.”
The Turkish rider believes that experience could be useful when the new generation of motorcycles arrives.
“If I can learn cornering speed, maybe I need it next year,” Razgatlioglu said. “Okay, of course, the Pirelli tyre is maybe more like my style. But also, I need the corner speed.”
Yamaha has 2027 as a major opportunity
Razgatlioglu’s comments reflect the scale of the challenge facing Yamaha. The manufacturer only introduced its new V4 engine for the 2026 season and is simultaneously preparing another major technical change for 2027.
The factory has therefore been developing two generations of MotoGP machinery in parallel, while Razgatlioglu has been adapting to the premier class after spending his entire previous career on Pirelli-equipped WorldSBK machinery.
The rider’s preference is clear: rather than spending significant resources trying to transform the current M1 late in 2026, Yamaha should use the remaining time to make its 850cc prototype as competitive as possible.
“Because next year everything is a new challenge for everyone. We need to come back stronger, all Yamahas,” Razgatlioglu concluded.
MotoGP returns to action from September 11-13 at the San Marino and Rimini Riviera Grand Prix, the 14th round of the 2026 season. The GRANDE PRÊMIO will follow the entire weekend in the MotoGP section.
FAQ
Why does Toprak Razgatlioglu want Yamaha to focus on the 850cc bike?
Razgatlioglu believes the 2026 season is already too far advanced for major updates to have a significant impact. He would rather see Yamaha dedicate its development resources to the 2027 prototype.
What will change in MotoGP in 2027?
MotoGP will move from 1000cc to 850cc engines, introduce tighter aerodynamic restrictions, ban ride-height and holeshot devices, and switch from Michelin to Pirelli as its exclusive tire supplier.
Why could Pirelli tires benefit Razgatlioglu?
Razgatlioglu spent his World Superbike career racing on Pirelli tires, including during his three championship-winning seasons. That previous experience could help him adapt when Pirelli becomes MotoGP’s exclusive supplier in 2027.
