The first tests of the year have sparked excitement around Toprak Razgatlioglu, the rising star of MotoGP. However, the sometimes harsh reality quickly caught up with the Turkish rider, confronting him with a Yamaha lacking power and an inevitable adjustment period. What can we realistically expect from this first season?
A Promising but Difficult Start
One of the major points of interest during the first tests of the year was to evaluate Toprak Razgatlioglu’s level aboard a MotoGP. Unfortunately, the expectations placed on the Turkish star seemed to take a cold shower when he faced the reality of a Yamaha with obvious limitations and his own adaptation to the category, which will require time. Indeed, Razgatlioglu finished this first collective test in 18th place in the combined standings over three days, his time attack placing him nearly two seconds off the best time set by Álex Márquez (Ducati) and eight-tenths behind Álex Rins, the top Yamaha representative. His pace over distance was not better, and he observed the situation with honesty and candor.
Disappointing Times and Self-Reflection
Upon completing these tests, Razgatlioglu admitted his disappointment with his times, just three and a half months after securing his third world title: “For me, it’s not easy when I look at the screen and see my name [there], especially after Superbike.” These words resonate like a cry from the heart. The new Pramac rider acknowledged his difficulties in leaning and maintaining high cornering speeds, while feeling discomfort with a rear wheel that spins too much on acceleration. Accustomed to pushing this part of the bike, he realizes he needs to fundamentally change his riding style, admitting that he is too aggressive for this MotoGP.
Necessary Adjustments for Better Performance
Razgatlioglu has already requested certain modifications to the M1 to facilitate his transition from the R1 he rode in WorldSBK. Among these adjustments, a wider half-handlebar is high on the list. He also admits that he feels more comfortable relying more on the rear of the bike, which has led to other constraints regarding the maximum height that can be reached by the seat tail. This situation has forced him to take to the track several times without rear wings, resulting in a significant aerodynamic deficit.
A Recruitment Marked by Paolo Pavesio
Despite the disappointment caused by his outing at Sepang, Toprak Razgatlioglu’s debut in MotoGP is not much different from those who made the jump from WorldSBK before him. The question is whether he will be able to adapt and how long it will take. His goal is likely to follow in the footsteps of Ben Spies, who made his MotoGP debut in 2010 with Yamaha, the year after his Superbike championship. Spies achieved his first podiums in his first full season and won a Grand Prix in 2011. However, the current context is different, with the upheaval Yamaha is undergoing by adopting a V4 and the regulatory and tire changes planned for next year.
Toprak Razgatlioglu has started to show off with Jack Miller, his teammate at Pramac Racing. Razgatlioglu’s charisma is undeniable, and he is well-regarded throughout the paddock. Just exchanging a few words with any Yamaha team member reveals the hopes placed in him. “Pavesio is ‘in love’ with him,” is a constant refrain from those working for the tuning fork brand, referring to the executive director of Yamaha Motor Racing, who replaced Lin Jarvis.
Recognized Potential but a Challenge to Overcome
The link between Paolo Pavesio and the Turkish rider goes back a long way, to the time when they both coexisted in the Yamaha team engaged in WorldSBK. This recruitment bears the signature of the Italian manager, although this devotion raises some reservations among certain key members of the structure. Today, as the transfer market is buzzing, some even designate Toprak Razgatlioglu as one of the candidates for the factory team in 2027, alongside Jorge Martín.
At Pramac too, they are already very attached to this young man with whom it is pleasant to work. Gino Borsoi, team director of Paolo Campinoti, praises a well-mannered boy, with whom it is “easy to work.” Razgatlioglu’s charisma is not limited to those who work with him daily and extends to the rest of the paddock, where his potential is perceived. “Toprak is a fast rider, there’s no doubt about it. I think he will eventually be competitive,” says one of the Ducati officials.
The Challenges of a Complex Adaptation
However, the adaptation phase he is currently diving into, with a starting point evidently further away than he had imagined, places Razgatlioglu in front of a significant challenge. “The problem is that he has to adapt to MotoGP, and at all levels, not just in terms of riding. He comes from a championship whose level is clearly inferior to this one. This grid brings together the cream of the crop, and I think he has realized that in recent days,” continues a highly experienced figure.
And this witness adds: “As with most riders, his entourage can help or hinder him during this adaptation period. In his case, I feel like they have kept telling him how good he is, which may be true. But there are times when that doesn’t help, and when it’s necessary to speak clearly and say things that are probably not pleasant to hear.”
