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Two weeks after the difficult Indonesian Grand Prix, Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP returns to action at Phillip Island for a particularly significant weekend. Unfortunately, Toprak Razgatlıoğlu will be unable to take part following further medical examinations in Milan, which confirmed that the injury sustained in his highside crash at Mandalika requires surgery. The procedure is scheduled for Monday, October 26, after which the Turkish rider will focus on his recovery. Yamaha test rider Augusto Fernandez is planned to step in for him at the Australian Grand Prix.
Despite Toprak’s absence, the weekend remains a special occasion for the team, and especially for Jack Miller. The 2026 Australian Grand Prix will mark his final home race in MotoGP after a career in the World Championship that began in 2011. The Australian will return to Phillip Island next year in the Superbike World Championship, but this weekend will be his last opportunity to race in front of his home fans in the premier class. The significance of the occasion is reflected in Turn 4, officially named Miller Corner in his honour in 2022.
Phillip Island has also been the setting for some memorable moments in Miller’s career. In 2014, he delighted his home fans by winning the Moto3 race in a thrilling finish, before returning to the podium in the premier class in 2019 with a third-place finish. These results have helped strengthen his special connection with the circuit, making this final MotoGP home Grand Prix an even more meaningful occasion.
Set against the spectacular scenery of the Bass Strait, Phillip Island is renowned for its fast, flowing layout and the exciting racing it produces. The 4.45-kilometre circuit first hosted a Motorcycle World Championship Grand Prix in 1989 and has been a regular fixture since 1997, becoming a favourite among riders and fans alike. Its combination of long corners, rapid changes of direction and unpredictable conditions makes it a unique challenge. The 2026 event will provide a final opportunity for the MotoGP paddock to enjoy this legendary venue before the championship moves to Adelaide in 2027.
For Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP, the focus will be on making the most of this important weekend, supporting Fernandez as he steps in for Razgatlıoğlu and giving Miller the best possible opportunity to deliver a strong performance in front of his home fans. After a difficult run of races, the team will aim to continue working towards improved competitiveness while marking a memorable occasion in the history of MotoGP at Phillip Island.
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Team Director, Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP
Unfortunately, Toprak will not be able to race following his injury, and we are sorry to see him miss such an important event. Yamaha test rider Augusto Fernandez will step in for him this weekend, and we will do our best to support him as he joins the team.
We wish Toprak all the best with his surgery and recovery, and hope to see him back on the bike as soon as possible.
We are coming off a difficult period, and I believe the team deserves better results after all the hard work everyone has put in. At the same time, we know we need to do a better job ourselves and find ways to make the bike more competitive. I hope Phillip Island can be a turning point for the final part of the season, and we will work hard throughout the weekend to make another step forward.