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Toprak Razgatlioglu appeared in Portimão shedding light on several issues. On the eve of the Portuguese round, the BMW rider spoke about what happened in Australia, as well as last week's tests held on the Algarve track and, of course, the rumors related to the MotoGP.
The Turkish rider spoke clearly, intent on turning pages after the difficulties encountered in the opening round of this season.
"Unfortunately, it didn't go as I hoped in Australia," he began. "In the the tests held last week, however, we found some good feelings, and I'm confident ahead of this weekend. We worked on the set-up, the bike turned out to be competitive, and the pace wasn't bad. Compared to the first race, nothing changed on the M 1000 RR because the bike is the same. The only thing was some changes related to the set-up. Phillip Island is probably not well suited to our qualities, considering that, here, in Portugal ... hard braking, slow corners."
Toprak, why did you say this is a Ducati Cup?
"Did you see the results of Race 2 at Phillip Island? I think it's easy to guess. In Race 2, I withdrew but, if I had finished the race, I wouldn't have gone beyond fourth place. Then, unfortunately, there was a problem with the dashboard and I had to stop."
There's been lots of talk about your statements in recent weeks? Do you remain of the same opinion?
"Last year, there were only two Ducatis ahead of me. This time, they were all in the top positions. I'm not speaking to save my position but to protect the other manufacturers. If the situation were to repeat itself, no one would be happy and have fun. At the end, I hear people talking about balance, but this isn't real. By introducing free engine revs, Ducati has no more limits. In fact, just see their power on the straights, as well as the fact that it's the best performing bike."
Toprak, let's talk about the future. Is it true that you signed with Honda for the 2026 MotoGP?
"That's not true at all. I haven't signed with Honda, much less will I do wildcards. Reading all this, I smile, because my brother called me yesterday to ask me about Honda. Sincerely, I'd like to know who writes these things and why. It's true that I' have an expiring contract with BMW but, for the moment, I haven't spoken to anyone."
Speaking of the MotoGP, Kenan's priority has always been a factory bike. The only one that could become free at the end of the season is precisely Marini's, whose contract expires at the end of 2025.
"Only Marini? There's also Yamaha," he said, jokingly. "I'm not talking to anyone at the moment. I don't deny that I have a dream of racing in the MotoGP, but we'll see what happens. It'll be crucial to have the right direction to follow. What's certain is that, in 2027, the rules will change and everything will be new, since Pirelli will also come. We'll see. Now, I have to stay focused on the Superbike and on my BMW, then we'll see about the future. We'll definitely have a very competitive Ducati in the MotoGP, and I think it'll be strong in 2027, as well."
