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WSBK Champion Toprak Razgatlioglu Targets MotoGP Move By 2025
Toprak Razgatlioglu, the current leader of the 2024 World Superbike Championship (WSBK), aims to transition to MotoGP by the end of this year. His manager, Kenan Sofuoglu, disclosed this information to Speedweek.com, stating that there is significant interest in Razgatoglu within the MotoGP paddock for the upcoming season.
Despite having a contract with BMW until the end of 2025, Razgatlioglu has expressed his desire to leave WSBK early. Sofuoglu mentioned, "We have a two-year contract with BMW, but I have already informed BMW that we want to leave the Superbike World Championship at the end of this year and move to MotoGP. I explained to them that this is Toprak's wish."
Potential MotoGP Teams
If Razgatlioglu moves to MotoGP, his options for 2025 could include Repsol Honda, Monster Yamaha, or Aprilia. The official Ducati and KTM teams are already full. Recent reports suggest Joan Mir is close to renewing with Repsol Honda. However, GPone.com believes Razgatlioglu is being pursued by Repsol Honda.
A move to Yamaha would be surprising since Razgatlioglu had an uncomfortable experience on an M1 during private tests last year. He later left Yamaha to join BMW. Aprilia is expected to sign Marco Bezzecchi, but if Pramac moves to Yamaha, Bezzecchi might achieve his factory GP25 goal while staying at VR46.
BMW's Future Plans
Adding complexity to the situation, BMW is also considering entering MotoGP but not until technical rules change in 2027. This potential move could influence Razgatlioglu's decision and future career path. Razgatlioglu joined BMW with the aim of winning the WSBK title. Neither he nor the team anticipated achieving podiums and victories so quickly.
After four rounds, he leads the championship, making a title win highly probable. Sofuoglu explained their progress: "Our goal with BMW was to win the World Championship over these two years. But things are already going very well; Toprak's performances are remarkable. He wants to use this moment in his life to make the change."
Negotiations and Offers
The manager acknowledged that realizing Razgatlioglu's ambition depends on reaching an agreement with BMW. "We still don't know exactly how it will play out; we need to reach an agreement with BMW. It's also about the future; everyone knows that BMW wants to enter the MotoGP World Championship."
According to sources, Honda has made an offer to bring Razgatlioglu to MotoGP next year. If confirmed, it remains uncertain which current rider would leave. Luca Marini has a contract until 2025, but there is speculation about Joan Mir's renewal despite his manager denying a signed contract. Razgatlioglu's potential move to MotoGP marks a significant development in his career and could impact team dynamics in both WSBK and MotoGP.
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