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World Superbike champion Toprak Razgatlioglu linked with shock move as MotoGP rumours circle
Toprak Razgatlioglu could leave BMW for an all new brand in 2026 - but still stay in World Superbikes.
The Turkish rider made history by becoming the German firm's first ever road racing world champion earlier this year, fuelling rumours of a move into the MotoGP paddock where he has previously been open about his desire to race. With BMW, who withdrew from four wheel grand prix motorsport in 2009, widely expected to join the two wheeled GP series for the very first time in 2027, taking their star rider with them seems like the natural step - but he could instead stay in superbike racing and attempt to become the first rider ever to win the championship on three different brands.
Eurosport commentator Greg Haines, who has worked in both the World Superbike and MotoGP paddocks, believes that the rider - who has amassed a cult following for his stunts and big personality on and off the bike - might be tempted to join a new brand, in the shape of Chinese firm QJ Motor in 2026. The marque are owned by the group who also own car brands including Volvo and Lotus and are said to be targeting a move into the World Superbike series.
Posting in an article on his blog, Haines said: "If Toprak doesn’t go to MotoGP, he’ll stay in World Superbike with a target of winning the title for as many different manufacturers as possible. He’s only the third rider – after Troy Corser and James Toseland – to clinch it for two different marques. He could go on to win it for three or more. In fact, I’m sure he would win WorldSBK races and the title regardless of whichever factory team he joined right now. All of the current manufacturers have spoken with or made formal offers to Toprak over the last few years (very much including Ducati).
"There’s no such thing as a dead cert in motorcycle racing but, if one hires Toprak to race their bike, that’s as close as you’ll ever come to a dead cert in terms of winning the championship. In 2026, China’s QJ is set to run a World Superbike project for the first time. QJ is owned by Geely Holding, an absolutely enormous Chinese automotive giant. It has acquired a massive amount of companies including Volvo, Smart, Lotus, Polestar, Lynk & Co and many more – it also has pockets deeper than the Grand Canyon and I hear the big boss has already recognised they’d need Razgatlioglu if they’re serious about winning in the shortest possible time.
"If Toprak – who relishes a challenge – stays in the series, don’t be surprised to see QJ (in collaboration with Puccetti, for whom Toprak raced to his first podiums and wins) trying to line him up to race their superbike in the near future…you heard it first here!"
