Turkish ace bows out of World Superbike with three world titles and a lasting legacy.
Toprak Razgatlioglu has once again etched his name into the FIM Superbike history books. The Turkish sensation, riding for the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team, clinched the 2025 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship title — his third overall and second consecutive with BMW — in what marks his final season in the series before stepping up to MotoGP™ in 2026.
After another season filled with fierce battles, jaw-dropping saves, and moments of brilliance, Razgatlioglu sealed the championship at Jerez, finishing the year with an astonishing 616 points, 21 victories, 31 podium finishes, and 6 pole positions. His final margin over Ducati’s Nicolo Bulega — just 13 points — was a testament to how hard-fought this campaign truly was.
This latest triumph cements Razgatlioglu’s place among the sport’s greats. Having captured his maiden crown with Yamaha in 2021, then delivering BMW’s first-ever WorldSBK title in 2024, the 28-year-old has now achieved the rare feat of winning championships with two different manufacturers — a mark of both talent and adaptability that few riders can claim.
Toprak Razgatlioglu Reflects on His Third Title
“I’m really happy because we reached our target — winning another World Championship with BMW,” said an emotional Razgatlioglu after Race 2. “This season was not easy. At the start of the year, we weren’t the strongest, but race by race we improved together. My crew worked incredibly hard to give me a better bike, and in the end, we achieved something special.”
“I made a small mistake and crashed in Race 1 today, but I didn’t lose focus. In Race 2, I rode smart — not too aggressive, not too risky — because I knew the title was within reach. To end my WorldSBK career with BMW and a championship before moving to MotoGP next season… it’s the perfect ending. I’m proud of everything we accomplished together.”
From Young Prodigy to WorldSBK Great
Toprak’s journey to superstardom has been one of determination, growth, and raw talent. His career began in Turkey’s 600cc Road Racing Championship and the IDM Yamaha R6 Cup in 2011–2012, before he burst onto the international scene in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup. A victory at Sachsenring in 2014 hinted at the potential of the young Turkish rider, and that same year he made a stunning debut in the European Superstock 600 Championship, immediately taking a race win at Magny-Cours.
By 2015, Razgatlioglu had claimed the Superstock 600 title, and his rapid rise through the ranks continued with a move to Superstock 1000. In just his second season there, he finished as runner-up, showing the world that a new contender was emerging.
His WorldSBK debut came in 2018 with Kawasaki, where he claimed his first win during his rookie season — a clear preview of what was to come. Three years later, he would achieve his breakthrough moment: winning the 2021 WorldSBK Championship with Yamaha, becoming Turkey’s first-ever Superbike World Champion.
A bold switch to BMW in 2024 proved to be a masterstroke. In his first season with the German manufacturer, he delivered BMW’s historic maiden title, followed by a brilliant repeat in 2025, confirming his dominance and elevating BMW to new heights in the series.
A Legacy Written in Speed
With three WorldSBK crowns to his name, Razgatlioglu now stands shoulder to shoulder with some of the sport’s greatest icons. He joins Troy Bayliss on three titles, ranking third on the all-time list behind Carl Fogarty (4) and Jonathan Rea (6) — the latter bowing out of racing at the close of the 2025 season.
Toprak’s numbers tell their own story of excellence and consistency:
- 3 WorldSBK Titles: 2021, 2024, 2025
- 78 Career Wins
- 173 Podiums
- 24 Pole Positions
Few riders have managed to combine flamboyant showmanship with such relentless precision. His signature late-braking style, fearless overtakes, and show-stopping saves have made him a global fan favorite — a rider as thrilling to watch as he is effective.
Looking Ahead: The MotoGP Challenge
As the curtain falls on the 2025 WorldSBK season, Razgatlioglu prepares to embark on a new challenge — his long-awaited MotoGP debut in 2026.
For BMW, his departure marks the end of a golden era, while for MotoGP fans, it signals the arrival of a proven world-class racer whose unique riding style and magnetic personality are sure to shake up the grid.
Toprak leaves WorldSBK not just as a champion, but as a legend, having redefined what’s possible on a Superbike. His passion, humility, and charisma have left a lasting mark on the paddock — and his journey, it seems, is only just beginning.
