The World Superbike Championship (WorldSBK) has seen its fair share of team and rider changes, but one of the most anticipated moves has been confirmed: Toprak Razgatlioglu’s switch to the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team for 2024. Alongside this significant move, another key question has been answered: Will Phil Marron, Razgatlioglu’s current Crew Chief, follow him to BMW?
The answer is a resounding yes. Phil Marron, who has been a pivotal figure in Razgatlioglu’s career, announced on social media that he would be accompanying the #54 rider from Yamaha to the factory BMW squad next year.
Marron and Razgatlioglu’s professional relationship dates back to 2019 when they collaborated at Kawasaki Puccetti Racing. Marron, with prior experience working with riders like Eugene Laverty, quickly formed a strong bond with Razgatlioglu. Their partnership continued to flourish when they transitioned to the Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK team in 2020, clinching their first victory with Yamaha at Phillip Island.
The duo’s time at Yamaha has been marked by significant achievements, most notably in 2021 when Razgatlioglu managed to outpace Jonathan Rea from the Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK, ending Rea’s championship streak. Despite securing 60 podium finishes in 69 races during 2022 and 2023, Razgatlioglu had to relinquish his title last year. Currently, he remains in contention for the 2023 championship against Alvaro Bautista from Aruba.it Racing – Ducati, but Bautista holds a 60-point lead as they approach the season’s final round.
Razgatlioglu’s decision to join BMW was publicized in May, but Marron’s future remained uncertain until now. Pata Yamaha Team Principal, Paul Denning, had previously mentioned that Marron’s contract with Yamaha would conclude this year, leaving him free to decide his next steps. The recent exchange on social media, where Marron confirmed, “Yes I’m following Toprak,” has put all speculations to rest.