Toprak Razgatlioglu looks set to remain in WorldSBK for another two seasons following MotoGP interest.
The Yamaha rider’s manager and former five-time WorldSSP champion Kenan Sofuoglu confirmed the news to Speedweek.com.
Razgatlioglu had been seen as a major possibility for one of the 2022 MotoGP seats at Yamaha.
In fact, the Turkish superstar was involved in talks to replace Franco Morbidelli at Petronas Yamaha for the Dutch MotoGP, before the team ultimately chose fellow WorldSBK rider Garrett Gerloff after Razgatlioglu declined the offer.
This wasn’t seen as a huge surprise though, as Razgatlioglu has reiterated his desire on numerous occasions to remain in the Superbike world championship.
Sofuoglu told Speedweek.com: “Our goal is to stay in the Superbike World Championship. Almost every brand has made Toprak an offer for next season, I talk to everyone, not just Yamaha. What I can already say: We are not going to the MotoGP World Championship, Toprak will compete in the Superbike World Championship for the next two years.”
It should be noted that Razgatlioglu is tipped to remain with Yamaha in World Superbikes.
The Japanese manufacturer is also said to be keen on retaining Andrea Locatelli at Pata Yamaha, which could make the decision for Gerloff to move to MotoGP a lot easier should he be offered a contract.
Razgatlioglu is currently second in the championship – 20 points back from six-time world champion Jonathan Rea.
The 24 year-old took his first victory of this season at Misano last time out, while round four gets underway tomorrow at Donington Park.
