FIM President gives Toprak Razgatlıoğlu 3 UNEXPECTED REQUESTS if he wants to join MotoGP after secret request from Ducati boss !!

The world of motorcycle racing is buzzing with intrigue as Toprak Razgatlıoğlu, the two-time World Superbike (WSBK) champion, prepares for his highly anticipated MotoGP debut with Pramac Yamaha in 2026. However, recent developments have added a dramatic twist to his transition. According to sources close to the sport, Jorge Viegas, President of the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM), has issued three unexpected demands for Razgatlıoğlu, reportedly prompted by a confidential request from Ducati’s top executive, Claudio Domenicali. These conditions have raised questions about the Turkish rider’s path to MotoGP and the behind-the-scenes dynamics shaping the sport’s future.

Razgatlıoğlu’s move to MotoGP has been a long-awaited milestone. After dominating WSBK with 63 wins and two world titles, the 28-year-old rider has earned a reputation for his aggressive riding style and fearless overtaking. His signing with Pramac Yamaha was hailed as a strategic coup, with Yamaha banking on his talent to bolster their competitiveness against the dominant Ducati team. Yet, the FIM’s sudden intervention has introduced new hurdles, fueling speculation about Ducati’s influence and the sport’s regulatory landscape.

The first of Viegas’s demands is that Razgatlıoğlu must complete a mandatory adaptation program tailored for WSBK-to-MotoGP transitions. This program, reportedly designed to ensure rider safety and competitiveness, includes extensive testing with Michelin tires, which MotoGP uses until 2026, and Pirelli tires, set to become the exclusive supplier in 2027. The FIM’s rationale is that Razgatlıoğlu’s aggressive braking style, honed on WSBK’s Pirelli tires, may require adjustment to avoid risks on MotoGP’s more unforgiving prototypes. While Yamaha has already scheduled a test with the M1 machine post-WSBK season, the FIM’s program adds a layer of scrutiny, potentially delaying his integration.

The second demand involves a performance benchmark. Viegas has reportedly stipulated that Razgatlıoğlu must demonstrate consistent top-10 finishes in his debut MotoGP season to secure long-term eligibility. This condition is unprecedented for a rookie, especially one transitioning from WSBK, where the machinery and racing dynamics differ significantly. Critics argue that this requirement places undue pressure on Razgatlıoğlu, given Yamaha’s current struggles against Ducati’s superior bikes. However, supporters of the FIM’s stance claim it ensures only the most capable riders remain in MotoGP, maintaining the championship’s prestige.

The third and most controversial demand is a sponsorship alignment clause. Razgatlıoğlu, a Red Bull athlete, must resolve potential conflicts with Yamaha’s primary sponsor, Monster Energy, before joining the factory team in 2027, should he be promoted. This condition echoes past tensions, such as Marc Márquez relinquishing his Red Bull affiliation to join Ducati. The FIM’s insistence on this clause has sparked debate, with some suggesting it stems from Ducati’s secret request to Viegas. Domenicali, wary of Razgatlıoğlu’s potential to disrupt Ducati’s dominance, may have pushed for measures to complicate his transition, leveraging the FIM’s authority to impose regulatory constraints.

The timing of these demands is particularly intriguing, coming on the heels of Razgatlıoğlu’s stellar performance at Misano, where he secured a hat-trick of victories for BMW in WSBK. His ability to outpace Ducati’s Nicolo Bulega and end their 50-race podium streak underscored his readiness for MotoGP. Yet, Ducati’s influence in the sport cannot be underestimated. With eight bikes on the MotoGP grid and a stranglehold on recent titles, the Italian manufacturer wields significant power. The secret request from Domenicali, though unconfirmed publicly, aligns with Ducati’s history of strategic maneuvering to maintain their edge.

Razgatlıoğlu, for his part, remains unfazed. In a recent interview, he credited his manager, Kenan Sofuoglu, for navigating the complex negotiations that secured his MotoGP seat. He expressed confidence in adapting to Yamaha’s M1, citing his past experience riding a MotoGP bike in 2022 as a valuable foundation. His focus, however, remains on the 2025 WSBK season, where he trails Bulega by a narrow margin. A third world title would be the perfect send-off before tackling MotoGP’s challenges.

The FIM’s demands have ignited a broader conversation about fairness in MotoGP. Some fans and analysts question whether the governing body is bowing to pressure from Ducati, while others see the conditions as necessary to preserve the sport’s integrity. As Razgatlıoğlu prepares for his MotoGP journey, the spotlight will be on how he navigates these unexpected obstacles. One thing is certain: his arrival promises to shake up the championship, bringing his trademark flair to a grid already brimming with talent.