Now, this is an ambitious project for the future. As Motorsport.com Italia reports, Yamaha rider Toprak Razgatlioglu is actively working to bring the MotoGP world championship back to Turkey for the 2028 season.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix, the 29-year-old explained that while finding a slot for the Istanbul Park circuit next year is impossible, a 2028 date is entirely realistic. The push for a premier-class motorcycle return follows the April announcement that the Turkish Grand Prix will head back to Formula 1 in 2027.
If MotoGP comes back to Istanbul Park, I need to show some special result,
"Istanbul Park is ready to race already now," Razgatlioglu said. "For the next year, we have any chance to put it in the calendar. But now we are talking about 2028. Because we have a chance to bring MotoGP back there again."
The Turkish rider pointed directly to the five-year Formula 1 contract as a positive sign that two-wheel racing can follow the exact same path. "Why not?" is the fair question, and the paddock is certainly listening.
History shows the venue has hosted grand prix action before, running three editions from 2005 to 2007. Marco Melandri claimed the first two victories, while Casey Stoner took the win in 2007. Bringing the championship back would also align nicely with MotoGP's ongoing efforts to host rounds closer to major urban centers like Istanbul.
Naturally, a home round would bring immense weight for Razgatlioglu himself, who commands a fiercely loyal following in his home country. "If MotoGP comes back to Istanbul Park, I need to show some special result," he admitted. "This is the biggest problem, you know? Too much pressure for me!"
