Toprak Razgatlioglu: Turkish MotoGP 'Maybe Not 2027' but We Keep Pushing

Toprak Razgatlioglu has revealed that he is still working with MotoGP to bring a race back to Istanbul Park, but believes it is unlikely to happen in 2027. The Pramac Yamaha rider spoke exclusively to Crash.net ahead of the 2026 British Grand Prix, offering hope that Turkey could return to the calendar before the end of the decade.

MotoGP last raced in Turkey from 2005 to 2007, with Istanbul Park witnessing Marco Melandri's wins in the 990cc era and Casey Stoner's victory in 2007. However, Razgatlioglu, who was only nine years old at the time, never watched it live. "I didn't watch because at that time I was really young. My brother went to Istanbul to watch the MotoGP," he recalled. He also missed the WorldSBK round there in 2013 as he was competing in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup at Silverstone.

Now, with Dorna and the Turkish racing federation continuing to explore the possibility, Razgatlioglu is optimistic. "We have this plan, maybe in the future. Looks like maybe not next year, but it's possible 2028. We will see. We are working about this," he said. The presence of Formula 1, which has signed a five-year contract starting in 2027, is a positive sign that Istanbul Park is worthy of hosting international events again.

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"Now Formula 1 has signed already, I think five years contract – next year Formula 1 comes back again to Istanbul Park for the race. MotoGP, why not? We are talking about this with Dorna, and the federation, and also the government. We will see," added the Turkish rider. This statement shows that efforts to bring MotoGP to his homeland are still ongoing, despite time and logistical challenges.

If it materializes, it would be a historic moment for Razgatlioglu, who is now one of the world's leading motorcycle racing icons. The return of MotoGP to Turkey would also expand the sport's reach in the Middle East and Eastern Europe, aligning with Dorna's strategy to attract new fans. However, challenges such as infrastructure and spectator interest remain key considerations.

With F1 already confirmed to return, the pressure is now on Dorna to follow suit. The final decision may not be seen for a few more years, but Razgatlioglu's enthusiasm and the Turkish government's support are valuable assets. Will we see him race in front of his home crowd before his career ends? Only time will tell.