Toprak Razgatlioglu has Marc Marquez in his sights

2026 MotoGP rookie Toprak Razgatlioglu is already eyeing up a battle with nine-time grand prix champion (seven-time MotoGP champion) Marc Marquez. 

Razgatlioglu is yet to turn a competitive wheel in MotoGP. However, the three-time Superbike world champion has set himself lofty goals nonetheless. The Turkish rider, who is arguably the most talented rider to have ever raced in WorldSBK, wants to consistently battle Marquez in 2027, after using this year’s campaign as a “learning year”. 

That being said, the new Prima Pramac Yamaha rider is still hoping for a few on-track battles with Marquez as early as this season. But in order to do that, Razgatlioglu will need to adapt quickly to MotoGP machinery. That’s by no means a given, although you would expect a rider of his ability and skill to manage it.

Perhaps more likely to determine if that’s possible or not is whether Yamaha’s M1 can improve enough to be a consistent force at the front of the field. At times it seemed to be jumped by Honda’s RC213V when it came to progress in 2025. That means Yamaha could start the 2026 season with the least competitive package, but we’ll only know for sure when pre-season testing is up and running. 

Although Razgatlioglu might have to wait until 2027 before engaging in on-track battles with Marquez, that’s clearly his intention. During an interview with Spanish media outlet Marca, Razgatlioglu began by saying: 

"The first year will be a learning year. After that, with the new tyres and new rules, I feel that there will be a lot of success in 2027. Before that if I manage to get some good positions, or some podiums if possible, I will be very happy”

But when speaking about Marquez in particular, Razgatlioglu added:

“I hope this season to be fighting with him (Marquez) in some races, that's my goal, but in 2027 my biggest challenge will be fighting with him."

Photo credit - Gold and Goose

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