Toprak Razgatlioglu, the newly signed Pramac Yamaha rider, is slated to participate in an early private test of Yamaha’s V4-powered 2026 MotoGP bike prior to the official post-season test in Valencia. This opportunity, arranged by Yamaha, aims to provide Razgatlioglu with valuable seat time on the new prototype before he competes directly against other premier class riders. The test is scheduled for November 9-10 at Motorland Aragon, coinciding with the MotoGP Portuguese Grand Prix weekend.
Razgatlioglu, currently competing for his third World Superbike crown and his second with BMW, will shift his focus to MotoGP following the WSBK season finale at Jerez on October 17-19. His official MotoGP debut is scheduled for the Valencia test on November 18, where all MotoGP riders will evaluate their new bikes for the upcoming campaign. However, Yamaha is keen to accelerate his adaptation to the V4 machine.
This early test is particularly significant given the time elapsed since Razgatlioglu’s previous MotoGP outings. He has previously completed two tests on Yamaha’s MotoGP bike: one in Aragon in June 2022, which was hampered by rain, and another in Jerez in April 2023, which yielded more positive results. Recognizing the need for more experience on the V4-powered M1, Yamaha, with the support of project head Paolo Pavesio, is facilitating this private testing opportunity.
Yamaha’s test team will be present at Motorland Aragon during the Portuguese Grand Prix weekend, preparing four prototypes for the official Valencia test. This preliminary testing will serve as a shakedown to ensure the bikes are race-ready for Valencia. Test rider Augusto Fernandez will oversee the development of the four bikes, which will be subsequently utilized by Fabio Quartararo, Alex Rins, Jack Miller, and Razgatlioglu during the official Valencia test on November 18.
Following the Valencia test, Pirelli is planning to conduct a tyre test on the subsequent day, marking their second such test after the one scheduled for Misano. However, due to contractual obligations with BMW, Razgatlioglu will be unable to participate in any events or promotional activities with the Pramac Yamaha team until 2026. Despite this restriction, he is permitted to test with the team this year, ensuring he is well-prepared for his MotoGP debut.
