Toprak Razgatlioglu and Nicolo Bulega Set for Different Paths in 2026

MotoGP, Sportrik Media – Toprak Razgatlioglu and Nicolo Bulega will compete in different paddocks in 2026, after the reigning WorldSBK champion confirmed his move to MotoGP with Pramac Yamaha.

Bulega, however, was the first of the two to sample premier-class machinery. The Italian deputised for the injured Marc Marquez at last year’s Portimao and Valencia rounds, finishing 15th on both occasions. He has since returned to full-time WorldSBK duties with Ducati, with the new season set to begin at Phillip Island.

In addition to his WorldSBK campaign, Bulega is scheduled to undertake MotoGP testing duties for Ducati as the manufacturer evaluates options ahead of the 2027 regulation shift to 850cc engines and Pirelli tyres.

Following the 2026 Sepang MotoGP Test, Razgatlioglu admitted disappointment at being 1.9 seconds off the pace. The Turkish rider suggested that Sepang’s flowing layout would better suit Bulega’s riding characteristics.

“I think if he comes here, especially on this track, he would ride much better, because this circuit matches his riding style,” Razgatlioglu explained.

“Normally he is very fast in long corners, but in Superbike I focus more on stopping the bike hard and accelerating in a V-shape line.”

Razgatlioglu noted that this approach was shaped early in his WorldSBK career, influenced by braking-focused riders such as Jonathan Rea. While the method proved highly effective in Superbike competition, he acknowledged that MotoGP requires a different technical balance.

“In Superbike it worked very well, but in MotoGP we need to change the riding style,” he added.

Despite maintaining strong braking performance with Yamaha’s new V4 engine, Razgatlioglu is currently struggling with corner speed and wheelspin on corner exit — critical factors under MotoGP’s aerodynamic and electronic demands.

Bulega, meanwhile, brings experience from three Moto2 seasons before claiming the 2023 World Supersport title. He then stepped up to WorldSBK with Ducati, finishing runner-up to Razgatlioglu in the last two campaigns.

How closely the 2027 Pirelli MotoGP tyres will resemble current WorldSBK rubber remains uncertain. However, the shift to smaller 850cc engines is expected to place increased emphasis on maintaining corner speed and preserving momentum.

With Razgatlioglu adapting to the technical complexities of MotoGP and Bulega positioning himself for a potential premier-class opportunity, 2026 marks a strategic crossroads in their evolving rivalry.