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SBK, Razgatlioglu: "I changed my style to not destroy the tyres"

"The simulation with race tyres went better than yesterday." Van der Mark: "In 2019 it was difficult to find the set-up at the beginning of the season, this year it isn’t"

SBK: Razgatlioglu: "I changed my style to not destroy the tyres"

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Behind Rea and his Kawasaki, the bike that has emerged best from winter testing seems to be the Yamaha R1 which with Razgatlioglu, Van der Mark and Baz has always been at the top end of the timesheets. Under special observation is the Young Turk, a great promise of the future but who aims to impress today as well, and the Phillip Island round could be his first big chance.

In the final two days of testing Toprak finished in 7th position.

"Today I did some tests on the race tyres in the afternoon, it was not really a race simulation because I also had to try a new set-up that was not bad, we will try it again on Friday because it helps the bike to turn better - explained Toprak - I didn't set a good time in the afternoon but it's still going quite well.”

Yesterday you told us that you were in a lot of difficulty with the tyres, especially with the rear. Has anything changed 24 hours later?

"Today went well because I changed my riding style a little bit, I'm working to improve the grip and the way I turn the bike."

So today you worked on your riding style…

"Yes, and I'm glad I did it in a race simulation, it didn't go badly, I feel ready for the championship"

Behind Rea, the Yamaha appears to be the most competitive bike with Baz and Van der Mark, who also made good progress during the test sessions, up there as well.

"Yes, and what is more important is that Loris and Michael’s race simulations also went very well, we will see how it will go over the weekend because Johnny is very strong"

Can you fight it out with Kawasaki for the win?

“I don't know, we'll see. The races always start very slowly and then become faster; I remember it was like that last year but 2020 is not 2019".

Van der Mark: "In tests, everyone is always very close"

On the other side of the box Michael Van der Mark ended the last day of testing in 6th position, just ahead of his teammate. What sort of day was it today?

“I am quite happy. In these tests the goal was to improve confidence with the tyres and the race pace, and I did it. Yesterday I had a good long run while today I concentrated on trying out some new things with the suspension, the pace was there and that's why I'm happy. Then this morning during my fast lap I crashed; it wasn’t nice but overall I am very positive".

Yesterday talking to Toprak it seems that this track consumes a lot of rubber and that after only 7 laps the rear tyre was finished. Is that what you think as well?

“We know that the tyres are important and that's why we are focussing on the long run. Today I did 20 laps and the tyres were still going well, you just have to use them in a different way and everyone in the race will try to maintain their tyres."

Even Johnny Rea said he was surprised by this Yamaha, at this point what are your goals for the Philip Island race?

“I am here to race, and I am working for the race at Phillip Island. The race distance and tyre management will make all the difference. I think I have to work a bit more on my speed but I'm ready."

One year on, how have your feelings changed with the R1?

"Last year it was difficult to find the right setting for the bike while the other day I immediately felt good on it, I had no particular problems and I was able to work calmly".

Is there one rider or team that has surprised you during these tests?

“I don't know, it's difficult to judge, in the tests everyone is always very close, then things change in the race. We will see on Sunday evening”.

Audio recording by Riccardo Guglielmetti

 

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