MotoGP, Sportrik Media - Toprak Razgatlioglu arrives at the 2026 Spanish MotoGP in Jerez with proven success at the circuit, but faces a different challenge as he continues adapting to the new Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP project.
The Turkish rider secured back-to-back WorldSBK titles at Jerez in 2024 and 2025 with BMW Motorrad Motorsport, making the Spanish circuit one of the most successful venues of his career. He also returned earlier this year for a private MotoGP test with Yamaha, but this weekend marks his first full competitive appearance at Jerez against the entire MotoGP field.
“I really like Jerez, not only because I enjoy the layout and the feeling of riding here, but also because in the past two years I became World Champion on this track, so I have fantastic memories,” Razgatlioglu said.
Despite his strong track record, Razgatlioglu emphasised that the key challenge remains translating that familiarity into performance with Yamaha’s V4 MotoGP machine. He scored his first MotoGP points with a 15th-place finish at COTA as the top Yamaha rider, but further development is required to consistently compete higher up the order.
“I am looking forward to racing here again, which is usually positive for me, but of course we have a new project with the Yamaha bike, so we need to confirm that the good feeling I have with the track can translate to the bike as well.”
“I know the team is working hard to improve the package, so I am looking forward to giving my best, as always, and hopefully achieving a good result.”
On the other side of the garage, team-mate Jack Miller is still searching for his first points with the Yamaha V4, having recorded a best result of 14th in the COTA Sprint. The Australian is targeting progress as the championship moves into its European phase.
“I am looking forward to kicking off the European campaign,” Miller said.
“In this break I hope the guys at Yamaha in Japan have been able to find some good solutions and further analyse the data from the first three GPs so we can continue the development of this new bike.”
“I am looking forward to starting this 12-race European stretch on the right foot.”
Yamaha is also expected to introduce upgrades over the Jerez weekend, supported by the wildcard entry of test rider Augusto Fernandez and the post-race test on Monday. This extended track time offers a valuable opportunity to evaluate new components within a compressed four-day schedule.
The tight and technical nature of Jerez is considered more favourable to Yamaha’s characteristics, although assessing engine performance gains will be less conclusive compared to high-speed circuits. Team director Gino Borsoi underlined that the team is making gradual progress in understanding both rider requirements and the technical demands of the bike.
“Jerez is the first European race of the year and a completely different circuit compared to the three we have raced at so far, with characteristics that could potentially suit the new Yamaha V4 project better,” Borsoi explained.
“Of course, we also need to demonstrate over the weekend that we have made the necessary steps to be competitive everywhere.”
“What is positive is that with time we are understanding more clearly what our riders need and what the bike requires to perform better.”
With Razgatlioglu’s circuit knowledge and Yamaha’s ongoing development trajectory, the Spanish Grand Prix will serve as a critical benchmark. Combined with the post-race test, the Jerez round is expected to play a decisive role in evaluating the competitiveness of Yamaha’s V4 project ahead of the remainder of the European season.
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