Toprak's MotoGP Move: Why Tyres Could Be His Secret Weapon

Forget aero tweaks and horsepower maps, the biggest shift Toprak Razgatlıoğlu faces in MotoGP might just be the tyres.

The 2021 WSBK champ is set to join Pramac Yamaha in 2026, making one of the most anticipated crossovers in modern racing. But while the paddock debates whether Toprak’s aggressive, late-braking style can adapt to MotoGP electronics and chassis, there's a bigger story flying under the radar: tyres.

In WorldSBK, Toprak dominated on Pirelli tyres, known for their brutal grip, fast warm-up, and raw race feel. MotoGP, however, runs on Michelin slicks, a tyre philosophy built around consistency, not chaos. For a rider who thrives on feel, this won't be a plug-and-play transition.

But here’s the twist: Pirelli is slated to return to MotoGP as the official tyre supplier in 2027.

That changes everything. The very same compounds that made Toprak untouchable in WSBK could now become his competitive edge in MotoGP. While others will be adjusting to the new grip curve and pressure windows, Toprak will be back in familiar territory, braking deep, sliding in style, and pushing limits the way he always has.

Testing begins in 2026, giving him a head start on adaptation. By the time the grid rolls out in 2027 on Pirellis, don’t be surprised if Toprak isn’t just adapting, he’s leading.