Andrea Iannone occupies a unique position in the WorldSBK paddock to comment on Toprak Razgatlioglu’s move to MotoGP. The Italian rider from Team Pata Go Eleven has lived firsthand the experience of competing in both championships, having spent years in the premier class before returning to Superbikes, which gives him a privileged perspective on this transfer.

Iannone’s immediate reaction was one of genuine celebration, seeing in Razgatlioglu’s move something that transcends the Turkish rider’s individual interests. For the Italian, this transfer represents an important moment for all of world motorcycling, demonstrating the quality and prestige that WorldSBK has managed to achieve as a talent development platform.

‘It’s very good news for all of the motorcycle world. Toprak achieved a really great opportunity for himself, I’m happy for him because I know how much he wanted that chance’, commented Iannone, revealing his knowledge of the Turkish champion’s long-standing ambitions to compete in motorcycling’s premier category.

The 35-year-old rider, whose own career has been marked by ups and downs between different championships, perfectly understands the significance of this opportunity for Razgatlioglu. Having experienced himself the pressures and demands of MotoGP, Iannone knows that the Turkish rider’s talent will be tested in a completely different way in the new category.

‘I think he will have a lot of fun with them in MotoGP, so good luck Toprak!’, concluded Iannone with a smile, demonstrating that despite the loss this departure represents for WorldSBK, genuine happiness for a professional colleague’s success supersedes any competitive considerations. This attitude reflects the spirit of camaraderie that, according to many, distinguishes the Superbike paddock.

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Toprak Razgatlioglu, the rising star of the motorcycle racing world, is not just focusing on his upcoming switch to the Pramac Yamaha team in 2026; he’s already setting his sights on dominating the 2027 MotoGP regulations. The two-time WorldSBK champion’s move to Yamaha has stirred up excitement and speculation, with many assuming he has signed a two-year deal.

The 2027 MotoGP season promises a revolutionary transformation in technical regulations, with engine sizes shrinking from 1000cc to 850cc and the elimination of right-height and holeshot devices. Additionally, the announcement of Pirelli as the official tyre supplier from 2027 onwards could play to Razgatlioglu’s advantage, given his familiarity with Pirelli compounds from the WorldSBK circuit.

In a recent media appearance at BMW’s press conference in Misano, Razgatlioglu expressed his elation and readiness for the challenges ahead. He acknowledged the need to adapt quickly to the new environment, including learning unfamiliar circuits and potentially facing Yamaha’s anticipated engine upgrades in the coming year.

Despite his confidence in targeting success in 2027, Razgatlioglu remains grounded, emphasizing the importance of proving himself in the upcoming season. He recognizes the significant adjustments he will have to make, from mastering new tracks to acclimating to the competitive MotoGP landscape.

As Razgatlioglu prepares to make his MotoGP debut, he admits to expecting a tough first year as he transitions from superbikes to the premier class. His calm and methodical approach underscores his determination to succeed in the face of the unique challenges that MotoGP presents.

With a keen focus on perfecting his position on the bike and adapting to the demands of MotoGP, Razgatlioglu’s journey to the top is poised to captivate fans and observers alike. Stay tuned as this talented rider gears up for a thrilling new chapter in his racing career.

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For Nicolo Bulega, the news of Toprak Razgatlioglu’s departure to MotoGP has a bittersweet taste. The young Italian Ducati rider, who this year fought one of the most exciting title battles in recent times with the Turkish rider, admitted having conflicted feelings about this change that will drastically alter the WorldSBK landscape.

As Razgatlioglu’s direct rival in the 2025 championship fight, Bulega developed a deep understanding of the Turkish rider’s exceptional qualities. The intensity of their on-track battles created mutual respect that transcends competition, something that became evident in the Italian’s words about his main adversary’s departure.

‘I’m happy for him that he’s going to MotoGP because I think it’s his dream and I think he deserves it. He’s been in WorldSBK for many years and always has performed at a high level so I think he deserves a chance to go up to MotoGP’, declared Bulega, acknowledging Razgatlioglu’s exceptional journey in the Superbike championship.

However, the 25-year-old rider was honest about the personal impact of this departure on his own career. ‘I’m not so happy for myself because next year I will lose a very good rival. I enjoy fighting with him because they aren’t dirty battles’, confessed Bulega, highlighting the clean and respectful nature of his disputes with the Turkish rider, something that isn’t always common in motorsport.

Razgatlioglu’s departure leaves a question mark over who might fill the void left by the Turkish rider in title fights. ‘Maybe next year another strong rider like him will come, but we will have to wait and see’, concluded Bulega, aware that finding a replacement worthy of ‘El Turco’s’ talent and charisma will be a difficult task for WorldSBK.

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WSBK Superbike Misano: Drama Unfolds as Bulega and Bassani Collide on the Track

In a heart-stopping moment during the Superpole race of the sixth round of the World Superbike Championship at Misano, an intense incident took place at the first braking point between Axel Bassani and Nicolo Bulega, leading to both riders having to retire from the race.

The clash occurred as the race kicked off with Nicolo Bulega, Toprak Razgatlioglu, and Axel Bassani forming the front row. Bassani, from the bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team, made a strong start, managing to overtake the #1 BMW before losing control under braking. This unfortunate event caused the official Ducati Panigale V4R rider to crash out, jeopardizing his position in the championship battle.

After the incident, Bassani showed a moment of sportsmanship by apologizing to Bulega and his team for the collision. However, the repercussions were not light for the Italian riders. Bassani was handed two ‘Long Lap’ penalties for his actions, while Bulega lost valuable points that could have been crucial towards the end of the season.

Bulega did not hold back in expressing his frustration, stating, “He said he lost the front under braking. But when I watched the video, I saw that he lost the front because he touched me. If he hadn’t touched me, he wouldn’t have lost the front. He didn’t have the pace to win, so why make a stupid overtaking move in the first corner? You can’t win the race in the first corner. It’s a rookie mistake. Even worse, he didn’t come to apologize to me; he just posted an Instagram story for the fans. That’s not enough.”

Despite differing accounts of the incident, with Bassani claiming Bulega closed the door on him, tensions ran high as both riders were entangled in a high-stakes battle on the track.

Bassani later reflected on the crash, acknowledging his fault and expressing remorse for his actions. He admitted, “I tried everything to stop and not hit him, but I lost the front, and we fell. I’m really sorry because I know I made him fall, and he’s fighting for the championship, unlike me. For me, it’s a fall, but for him, it’s much more than that.”

The clash between Bulega and Bassani adds another chapter to the intense rivalry in the World Superbike Championship, showcasing the high stakes and fierce competition among the riders.

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Few riders in the current paddock have the unique experience of Danilo Petrucci, who has competed in both WorldSBK and MotoGP at the highest level. The Italian veteran from Barni Spark Racing Team knows intimately the challenges and differences between both championships, making his opinion on Toprak Razgatlioglu’s move particularly valuable.

Petrucci’s reaction to the news was immediate and warm, reflecting the genuine respect he holds for the Turkish champion. ‘I’m so happy for him, I consider Toprak a good guy, and one of the most talented riders I’ve ever met so I’m really really happy’, stated the Italian, whose career has allowed him to share the track with some of the biggest names in world motorcycling.

The 34-year-old rider, who made the reverse transition from MotoGP to WorldSBK, perfectly understands the motivations behind Razgatlioglu’s decision. MotoGP continues to be seen as the pinnacle of world motorcycling, and for a rider with the talent and achievements of the Turkish rider, taking this step represents a natural progression in his career.

‘It will be cool to see him on a MotoGP bike. He has the potential to be really fast, he just needs to adapt to the bike and everything over there’, explained Petrucci, drawing on his own experience of adapting between different racing philosophies. The Italian knows that Razgatlioglu’s pure talent will be a fundamental asset in this transition.

Petrucci was particularly optimistic about the Turkish rider’s prospects in the premier class: ‘I think it’s coming at a good moment for him and that he can be fast right off the jump, so I’m excited for him.’ This confidence is based not only on Razgatlioglu’s evident talent, but also on the maturity and experience the rider has gained during his dominant years in WorldSBK.

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The news of Toprak Razgatlioglu’s transfer to MotoGP caused a real earthquake in the WorldSBK paddock, but few riders know the Turkish rider’s capabilities as well as Alvaro Bautista. The Spanish Ducati rider, who formed the legendary ‘Titanic Trio’ alongside Razgatlioglu and Jonathan Rea, responded with genuine support to his long-time rival’s decision.

During his press conference at Misano, Bautista didn’t hide his admiration for Razgatlioglu’s journey in WorldSBK. ‘It’s always nice to see him taking another step to see how he will be performing in MotoGP, he has been very successful here and won lots of races’, commented the two-time world champion, acknowledging the impact the Turkish rider has had on the category.

The 39-year-old veteran rider, who knows well the challenges of competing at the highest level, was realistic about the difficulties awaiting Razgatlioglu in the premier class. The transition between championships is never simple, especially when it comes to jumping from WorldSBK to MotoGP, where the technical and operational differences are substantial.

‘It won’t be easy to adjust, different bikes, tyres, tracks, but I’m happy for him because he is following his dream and I hope he is able to succeed there’, stated Bautista, demonstrating the camaraderie that exists between members of the ‘Titanic Trio’. The Spaniard knows that on-track rivalry doesn’t prevent mutual respect off it.

Razgatlioglu’s departure will leave a significant void in WorldSBK, completely altering the dynamics of title fights in the coming years. For Bautista, who at 39 continues to compete at the highest level, the Turkish rider’s departure represents the end of a golden era of intense rivalries that have marked the championship in recent years.

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Starting in 2027, Michelin will take over as the sole tyre supplier for the Superbike World Championship, ushering in a new chapter for the series after more than two decades of partnership with Pirelli.

The agreement spans five seasons, through to 2031, and covers every class under the WorldSBK umbrella — including the premier WorldSBK category, World Supersport (WorldSSP), the upcoming World Sportbike (WorldSPB), and the Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship (WorldWCR). The deal reflects a shared focus on technology, environmental responsibility, and rider safety.

Michelin’s entry into the championship is expected to bring fresh impetus to tyre development, with particular attention on consistency, longevity and performance. The brand brings decades of racing experience to the paddock, which will be vital in supporting riders and teams across a demanding and diverse race calendar.

With this change, organisers aim to maintain the competitive balance of the series while encouraging technical progress that could eventually benefit everyday riders. Michelin is expected to begin test development ahead of the 2027 launch to ensure a smooth transition.

Until the end of 2026, Pirelli will continue to supply the grid, concluding a historic era that began in 2004. Its long-standing involvement made WorldSBK the first global series to commit to a single-tyre format — a model that has since become standard in many top-level racing disciplines.

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Álvaro Bautista secured third place in Misano’s second race, returning to the podium after six races without reaching the rostrum. The two-time world champion from Aruba.it Racing – Ducati faced a particularly challenging weekend, with high temperature conditions hampering his machine’s performance. This was an important victory for the Spanish rider, who managed to overcome technical difficulties and showcase his competitive experience.

‘It’s been a very difficult weekend. The temperature didn’t help and the mornings were better because I could go fast and be consistent’, explained Bautista after the race. The rider identified thermal conditions as the main obstacle to his performance, with the track becoming progressively more complicated as temperatures rose.

Bautista’s technical difficulties centered mainly on braking, a fundamental aspect at a demanding track like Misano. ‘As the track got hotter it became more difficult. In the hot conditions the bike is harder to stop in the low grip and I was pushed wide several times’, detailed the Spaniard. These limitations forced him into more cautious riding, especially in the circuit’s most demanding braking zones.

The rider acknowledged having pace to fight for the podium on Saturday, but an unfavorable starting position complicated his aspirations. ‘Yesterday [saturday] we had the pace for a podium but starting from the back makes it tough here. The field is very close here so it was important I gained positions in the Superpole Race and started better in Race 2’, analyzed Bautista.

‘I fought for the podium and I’m happy to finish third. I’m looking forward to improving my feeling and being more competitive’, concluded Bautista, showing optimism for the future. This result represents an important step in the Spanish rider’s recovery, as he seeks to return to the consistency that led him to world titles.

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Nicolo Bulega salvaged a complicated weekend at Misano with second place in the main race, limiting the damage in his WorldSBK title fight. The Italian rider from Aruba.it Racing – Ducati started from the fourth row after his Superpole Race crash, but showed an impressive recovery by reaching second position in just five laps. His championship advantage reduced to nine points over Toprak Razgatlıoglu, though he remains at the top of the overall standings.

‘It wasn’t a perfect weekend. I had some bad luck and I’m happy with my second place in Race 2’, admitted Bulega after the race. The 24-year-old rider acknowledged the difficulties faced but expressed satisfaction with how he managed to recover from an unfavorable grid position. His overtaking ability was evident in the race’s opening moments, successfully passing Alvaro Bautista, Alex Lowes, Danilo Petrucci and Andrea Locatelli in succession.

Bulega’s comeback was spectacular, but when he reached second position, Razgatlıoglu had already established a considerable advantage. ‘When I passed the riders in front and moved into second position Toprak already had a big gap’, explained the Italian. This situation forced him into a strategic evaluation about the risks to assume in pursuing the race leader.

The Ducati rider opted for a conservative approach in the race’s final moments, prioritizing important championship points. ‘I decided that finishing second was the smart result because catching him would have required taking too many risks’, justified Bulega. This decision revealed competitive maturity, acknowledging his opponent’s superiority at that specific moment.

‘He was very strong, so congratulations to him and BMW’, concluded Bulega, demonstrating sportsmanship in defeat. Despite the difficult weekend, the Italian maintains his championship lead and showed his ability to respond in adverse situations. The title fight promises to intensify in upcoming rounds, with just nine points separating the two main protagonists of this WorldSBK season.

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Álvaro Bautista isn’t hiding his disappointment with his current form in WorldSBK. After finishing sixth in Race 1 at Misano, the double champion feels disconnected from his Ducati and admits the sensations on the bike have changed dramatically. ‘I used to ride how I wanted, now I feel like a passenger when conditions get tricky,’ he confessed.

The Spanish rider managed to climb from 11th on the grid but never truly felt at ease. Rear instability and lack of grip made it impossible to push as he normally would. ‘It felt like I was on ice. I braked late trying to pass Lowes but went completely wide,’ he explained.

Bautista also pointed out that the new construction of the Pirelli tyres is further complicating adaptation. ‘The SCQs worked in the cold this morning, but with 10 °C more in the afternoon, they punished us. We can’t get performance in the heat,’ he said.

Despite his experience and recent dominance, Bautista feels he has lost the connection with the Panigale V4 R. ‘I used to make the difference even with low grip. Now, with the new bike, I lack traction, feel more inertia on exits, and can’t close corners properly,’ he confessed.

He ends with a warning: ‘The bike is hard to turn and forces me to over-ride. If we don’t find solutions, it’ll be very difficult to get back to my previous level.’

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