Toprak Razgatlioglu's bold statement has the racing world buzzing: he believes MotoGP riders would find World Superbikes incredibly challenging without the advantage of a Ducati! This is a fascinating perspective, and it's sure to ignite some debate among racing enthusiasts.
Razgatlioglu, the two-time World Superbike champion, is making the leap to MotoGP in 2026, joining the Pramac squad with Yamaha. His move is particularly interesting because he'll be riding on Pirelli tires in 2027, the same brand he's mastered in World Superbikes. Many, including Razgatlioglu himself, anticipate a tough debut year on the Michelins.
In an interview with GPOne, Razgatlioglu shared his thoughts. He acknowledges that his performance in MotoGP will inevitably reflect on World Superbikes. He anticipates that if he doesn't perform well in MotoGP, some may discredit the Superbike series. He believes that the current MotoGP grid would struggle to switch series without the advantage of riding a Ducati. "For me, 2026 will be the most difficult year, as MotoGP is completely different than SBK," he stated. "I could finish in the top 10, even in the top 15. In fact, I see 2026 as an apprenticeship year to learn, get to know and grow without any expectations."
But here's where it gets controversial... Razgatlioglu's viewpoint stems from his experience. He is currently leading Ducati's Nicolo Bulega by 39 points in the 2025 World Superbike season, despite riding a BMW. He has been critical of how regulations have impacted other bikes compared to the Ducati Panigale V4. This highlights the perceived dominance of Ducati in the World Superbike series.
Razgatlioglu will be replaced at BMW by Miguel Oliveira, the rider whose Pramac MotoGP seat he has taken, next season. Danilo Petrucci, who is switching from Ducati machinery, will join him. The next-best BMW in the standings after Razgatlioglu is Michael van der Mark, who is down in 12th.
And this is the part most people miss... Razgatlioglu's statement isn't just about the bikes; it's about the overall competitive landscape. It suggests that the Ducati's performance advantage might be so significant that it skews the perceived skill level of riders in World Superbikes.
What do you think? Does Razgatlioglu have a point? Is Ducati's dominance in World Superbikes a significant factor? Share your thoughts in the comments!
