BMW Motorsport Director Sven Blusch denied on Wednesday that there have been any talks about Toprak Razgatlioglu returning to World Superbike with BMW, amid ongoing speculation. Blusch said Razgatlioglu has settled into MotoGP and is expected to remain with Yamaha through the end of 2027, according to sources close to the rider.
Speaking on Wednesday, Blusch emphasized that despite recent media speculation, “there have been no discussions along those lines,” according to a report by Speedweek. Spanish outlet Todocircuito, citing BMW sources via Speedweek, also confirmed that BMW “denies that there are negotiations” to bring back the Turkish rider at this time.
BMW Motorsport Director Sven Blusch clarified that there have been no discussions regarding Toprak Razgatlioglu’s return to the World Superbike Championship (WSBK) with BMW.
Blusch expressed his belief that Razgatlioglu has “gradually settled into the MotoGP paddock and will be staying there for some time,” based on direct conversations with the rider. Sources close to Razgatlioglu have indicated that he plans to honor his contract with Yamaha through the end of the 2027 MotoGP season. This contract timeline aligns with the expected introduction of new technical regulations in MotoGP in 2027, which both Razgatlioglu and Yamaha are reportedly targeting as an opportunity to enhance their competitiveness, Speedweek reported.
BMW’s current WorldSBK project does not have a free seat available for Razgatlioglu, according to German media reports relayed by Todocircuito and Speedweek. This lack of an open position reinforces BMW’s stance that there are no concrete plans for the rider’s return to their WSBK structure. Blusch acknowledged that BMW remains in close contact with Razgatlioglu’s camp but stressed that “today there is no movement” suggesting an imminent comeback. Nevertheless, he noted that BMW would be “always open to discussions” if circumstances changed.
Razgatlioglu’s previous contract with BMW covered the 2024 and 2025 WSBK seasons, after which he became a free agent in the production-based championship. His move to Yamaha for MotoGP effectively ended his WSBK commitments with BMW after 2025, as confirmed by Speedweek’s MotoGP reporting. BMW sources have indicated that there are “no indications that a return is imminent as early as after the 2026 season,” implying that any potential return to WSBK would be possible only after 2027 at the earliest.
The anticipated 2027 MotoGP regulation overhaul is seen as a significant factor in Razgatlioglu’s decision to remain in Grand Prix racing. Sources close to the rider suggest that the new rules could offer “significantly better conditions” compared to the current framework. BMW’s analysis, as reported by Todocircuito and Speedweek, is that Razgatlioglu’s future “still passes through Yamaha” and the 2027 MotoGP rule change rather than a short-term return to WorldSBK.
BMW’s management reportedly maintains deliberate contact with Razgatlioglu’s entourage to keep future options open. According to Paddock GP’s summary of German media reports, BMW’s objective is to be “the first to be able to offer him a ride” should he decide to return to WorldSBK. While no short-term move is expected, Todocircuito noted that no one at BMW rules out a future reunion.
Razgatlioglu is regarded by BMW officials and WorldSBK representatives as a “phenomenal talent” and one of the most dominant riders in recent Superbike history. His tenure with BMW produced some of the manufacturer’s strongest results and “best pages” in its Superbike history, according to Paddock GP. BMW WorldSBK management has previously stated that if Razgatlioglu chose to stay in the series, their focus would be to retain him. WorldSBK officials have also acknowledged that the championship would “miss Toprak” if he remains absent.
Recent rumors linking Razgatlioglu with a return to BMW in WorldSBK prompted the manufacturer to respond publicly. Speedweek’s investigation concluded that “there is currently no basis whatsoever” for these rumors. BMW’s Motorsport Director directly refuted the speculation, emphasizing that the manufacturer’s current WorldSBK project prioritizes stability and that no free seat exists to accommodate an immediate return.
Razgatlioglu’s contract with Yamaha through 2027 and the alignment with the new MotoGP regulations suggest that his medium-term future lies in Grand Prix racing. His transition to MotoGP coincides with the end of his WSBK commitments after 2025, marking a clear shift in his career trajectory. BMW remains strategically interested in the rider’s future but confirms that any return to WorldSBK is not anticipated in the near term.
