âThe MotoGP paddock is abuzz with controversy as Fabio Quartararo, the 2021 world champion, has publicly criticized the FIM over the handling of Toprak Razgatlıoğlu’s move to Yamaha’s Pramac team for the 2026 season. In a fiery press conference following the British Grand Prix on July 27, 2025, Quartararo questioned the legitimacy of Razgatlıoğlu’s transfer, alleging that the Turkish rider violated MotoGP’s stringent transfer regulations. He went further, suggesting that Razgatlıoğlu, a two-time World Superbike champion, should not have been allowed to join Yamaha at all, citing concerns over fairness and the competitive balance of the sport. The remarks, reported by Motorsport.com and Crash.net, have ignited a heated debate, with the FIM now under pressure to address claims that Razgatlıoğlu faces a potential penalty.

The controversy stems from Razgatlıoğlu’s high-profile signing with Pramac Yamaha, announced in June 2025, which secures him a factory-spec Yamaha M1 identical to Quartararo’s for 2026. According to Paddock GP, the transfer was finalized after intense negotiations, with Yamaha outbidding Honda to secure the 28-year-old’s signature. However, Quartararo, who has been vocal about Yamaha’s struggles in 2025—despite securing four pole positions at Jerez, Le Mans, Silverstone, and Mugello—argues that the process was mishandled. He claims that Razgatlıoğlu’s ongoing commitments to BMW in the 2025 WorldSBK season, including promotional activities and testing, breached MotoGP’s rules against riders engaging with rival manufacturers before their contracts expire. The Race notes that Yamaha’s cautious announcement of the deal, avoiding specifics due to Razgatlıoğlu’s BMW contract, may have raised red flags with the FIM.

Quartararo’s frustration is compounded by his own challenges at Yamaha. Despite his qualifying prowess, the Frenchman has struggled in races, finishing no higher than third this season and sitting ninth in the championship with 102 points, per Paddock GP. He has repeatedly criticized the YZR-M1’s lack of race pace, particularly its struggles with tire wear and direction changes in low-grip conditions, as highlighted after a disappointing 14th place at Mugello (Motorsport.com). Quartararo’s comments suggest that Razgatlıoğlu’s arrival, heralded as a potential boost for Yamaha, could disrupt the team’s focus on addressing these technical deficiencies. “Toprak is a special rider, no doubt,” Quartararo said at Silverstone, as quoted by Motociclismo.pt. “But bringing him in now, when we’re fighting to catch up, feels rushed. And if he’s broken the rules, why is he still coming?”

The alleged violation centers on Article 1.15.1 of the FIM MotoGP regulations, which prohibits riders from engaging in promotional or testing activities with a new team before their current contract ends. Razgatlıoğlu, still competing for BMW in WorldSBK, was spotted at a Yamaha promotional event in June 2025, prompting Quartararo to question the FIM’s oversight. Sources within the paddock, cited by Autosport, suggest that the FIM is investigating whether Razgatlıoğlu’s actions warrant a penalty, potentially a fine or a ban from the post-season Valencia test in November 2025. Such a sanction could hinder his preparation for his MotoGP debut, a critical factor given the steep learning curve from WorldSBK to MotoGP, as noted by The Race.

The paddock is divided on the issue. Some, including Yamaha’s new racing division head Paolo Pavesio, defend Razgatlıoğlu’s move, emphasizing his potential to “shake up the grid” (Paddock GP). Pavesio highlighted Razgatlıoğlu’s 63 WorldSBK wins and his adaptability across different bikes, arguing that his arrival aligns with Yamaha’s bold strategy for 2026. Others, like Ducati’s Pecco Bagnaia, warn that the transition will be challenging, citing the intensity of MotoGP’s competitive environment (Motorcycle Sports). Meanwhile, fans on X are split, with some praising Quartararo for calling out perceived favoritism, while others accuse him of jealousy, pointing to his earlier praise of Razgatlıoğlu’s talent (Motociclismo.pt).

The situation is further complicated by Yamaha’s rider lineup decisions. With Jack Miller and Miguel Oliveira’s contracts uncertain, Razgatlıoğlu’s arrival could see one of them dropped, adding tension to Pramac’s garage (MotoGPNews.com). Quartararo’s own future has been questioned, with his contract running through 2026 and past frustrations leading him to consider other teams like Aprilia (Paddock GP). For now, the FIM’s response remains pending, but a ruling against Razgatlıoğlu could set a precedent for stricter enforcement of transfer rules. As the 2025 season heads toward the Hungarian Grand Prix, all eyes are on Yamaha and the FIM to see how this saga unfolds, with Quartararo’s bold stance adding fuel to an already intense championship battle.