Toprak Razgatlioglu's debut MotoGP season has come to an early end after Pramac Yamaha confirmed that the Turkish rider will miss the remaining rounds of the 2026 championship due to a shoulder injury sustained at the Indonesian Grand Prix.
Further medical examinations in Milan revealed that the injury was more serious than initially expected, prompting the decision for Razgatlioglu to undergo surgery. The procedure is scheduled for October 26, after which he will begin his rehabilitation.
The three-time World Superbike champion injured his right shoulder in a highside crash during practice at Mandalika earlier this month. Although he managed to return for qualifying and the Sprint, he was forced to retire from Sunday's Grand Prix because of severe pain and a lack of strength in the injured shoulder.
Razgatlioglu had initially hoped to avoid surgery, but further assessments showed that an operation was necessary to give him the best chance of making a full recovery.
"I'm extremely disappointed to miss the Australian Grand Prix," Razgatlioglu said. "Phillip Island is one of my favourite circuits and a place where I've experienced some very special moments throughout my Superbike career. I was really looking forward to having the opportunity to race here on the MotoGP bike, which makes this situation even harder to accept."
The Turkish rider added that the injury was worse than first believed and that surgery was the right decision after consulting doctors and those closest to him. His priority will now be recovering fully before returning to competition.
Source: Daily Sabah
Yamaha test rider Augusto Fernandez is expected to step in for Razgatlioglu, beginning with this weekend's Australian Grand Prix at Phillip Island. He is set to remain with Pramac until Razgatlioglu is fit to return.
Team director Gino Borsoi expressed his disappointment at the timing of the injury, noting that Razgatlioglu had been working hard to adapt to the Yamaha YZR-M1 after moving from WorldSBK. However, he stressed that the rider's health must come first and confirmed the team would support him throughout his recovery.
The setback also interrupts Razgatlioglu's preparations for Yamaha's future MotoGP machinery. His experience with Pirelli tyres in WorldSBK had been viewed as a valuable asset ahead of MotoGP's planned tyre change, making his involvement in the manufacturer's development programme particularly important.
Razgatlioglu joined Pramac Yamaha for the 2026 season after establishing himself as one of WorldSBK's leading riders. However, adapting to MotoGP has proved challenging, with 11th place at Balaton Park his best Grand Prix result so far.
His absence leaves Pramac with just one rider for the Australian Grand Prix, with local favourite Jack Miller carrying the team's hopes at his home event.
While missing the final five rounds is a significant setback for Razgatlioglu's rookie campaign, the immediate focus will be on surgery and rehabilitation, with the aim of returning to the track once he has fully recovered.
