Razgatlıoğlu Ends 2026 MotoGP Season After Shoulder Surgery Decision

Toprak Razgatlıoğlu will miss the remainder of the 2026 MotoGP season after Pramac Yamaha confirmed that the Turkish rider requires shoulder surgery following his crash at the Indonesian Grand Prix. The operation is scheduled for October 26 in Milan, Italy, ruling him out of the Australian Grand Prix at Phillip Island and the season's remaining races as he focuses on recovery.

According to statements published by Pramac Yamaha and reports from Turkish motorsports media on October 20, further medical examinations found that the damage to Razgatlıoğlu's right shoulder was more serious than initially expected. The team said surgery was necessary to provide the best conditions for recovery, with rehabilitation to follow the procedure.

The injury occurred during Saturday's second free practice session at the Mandalika circuit in Indonesia. Razgatlıoğlu crashed at high speed and dislocated his right shoulder, which he manually put back into place at the track. Despite the injury, he continued into qualifying and finished the sprint race in 19th place, 23.8 seconds behind the winner, according to TRF1.net.

His condition deteriorated by Sunday, when pain and restricted movement affected his ability to ride. The Pramac Yamaha rider entered the main race but returned to the pits during the early laps and retired. He subsequently returned to Türkiye for further medical examinations, including an MRI scan.

Before the full extent of the injury was established, Razgatlıoğlu had hoped that rest would allow him to return for the Australian round. He explained that weakness, rather than pain alone, was the main obstacle to riding safely after the dislocation.

"After the shoulder came out, the main problem was weakness. The team said, 'If you feel bad, you can stop,' but I tried to race," Razgatlıoğlu said, according to TRF1.net's report on his Indonesian Grand Prix weekend.

He had also expressed hope that surgery would not be necessary while awaiting the results of further examinations.

"I hope surgery won't be necessary and that I can be ready for the next race with a little rest," Razgatlıoğlu said before the final medical assessment determined that an operation was required.

Following the decision, Razgatlıoğlu expressed disappointment at missing the Australian Grand Prix, particularly because of his connection to Phillip Island from his World Superbike career.

"I am extremely disappointed to miss the Australian Grand Prix," Razgatlıoğlu said in a statement published by motorsports media.

Phillip Island holds particular significance for the rider, who had looked forward to competing there on a MotoGP motorcycle after memorable experiences at the circuit in World Superbike.

"Phillip Island is one of my favorite circuits, and I have had some very special moments there throughout my Superbike career. I was really looking forward to the opportunity to race there on a MotoGP bike. That makes this situation even harder to accept," Razgatlıoğlu said.

He said the additional examinations revealed the injury was more severe than originally believed and that surgery offered the best opportunity to return fully fit.

"The additional medical assessments following the crash at Mandalika showed that my shoulder injury was more serious than we initially thought. As a result, I will undergo surgery in the coming days to maximize my chances of making a full recovery and returning to the track at 100 percent," Razgatlıoğlu said.

The rider acknowledged that the decision was difficult but said consultations with medical professionals and people close to him helped establish the appropriate course of action.

"It was not an easy decision to make. However, after speaking with the doctors and the people closest to me, we became convinced that this was the right step for my future," Razgatlıoğlu said.

Pramac Yamaha plans to use Yamaha test rider Augusto Fernandez in Razgatlıoğlu's place for the upcoming races, according to the team's announcement reported by Gazete Oksijen and Motorsport.com. The reports identify Fernandez as the expected replacement while Razgatlıoğlu undergoes surgery and rehabilitation.

Razgatlıoğlu is in his first MotoGP season after establishing himself as a leading World Superbike competitor. He won the World Superbike championship in 2021, 2024 and 2025 before joining Pramac Yamaha for 2026.

According to Milliyet, he had scored 18 points and stood 21st in the championship standings after competing in seven point-scoring rounds. His best result of the season was 11th place, and his absence will extend through the final five rounds, including the Australian Grand Prix scheduled for October 23-25.