Toprak Razgatlıoğlu's MotoGP campaign has come to an early close. The Turkish rider is scheduled for shoulder surgery on October 26, in Milan, which will keep him off the grid for the remainder of the 2026 MotoGP calendar.
Razgatlıoğlu injured his right shoulder in a highside crash during the Indonesian GP at Mandalika. Razgatlıoğlu flew to Milan on October 19, for a fresh round of medical checks, which confirmed the shoulder requires surgical treatment.
"After further medical assessments following the crash in Mandalika, it became clear that my shoulder injury is worse than we first believed," said Razgatlıoğlu. "This wasn‘t an easy decision, but after consulting with the doctors and the people closest to me, we are convinced it is the right step for my future."
Yamaha has tapped test rider Augusto Fernandez to take over the Prima Pramac Yamaha YZR-M1, starting at this weekend's Phillip Island round in Australia. As Yamaha's test rider, Fernandez already has meaningful seat time on the M1, making him the logical choice as a replacement.
The timing stings for a rider who has openly relished Phillip Island throughout his World Superbike years. "I'm extremely disappointed to miss the Australian Grand Prix. Phillip Island is one of my favourite circuits and a place where I've enjoyed some very special moments during my Superbike career," Razgatlıoğlu said. "I was excited about the opportunity to race here on the MotoGP bike, which makes this situation even harder to accept."
Team Director Gino Borsoi agreed that Razgatlıoğlu's long-term health is the primary concern. "We are very sorry for Toprak, as we know how much he wanted to race at Phillip Island and continue his journey with the YZR-M1," Borsoi said. "However, his health must come first, and we will support him throughout his recovery and look forward to seeing him back on the bike when he is ready."
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