Absent from the 2024 edition after being injured in France, which forced him to stay put for two appointments, Toprak Razgatlioglu arrived in Cremona with many doubts, not only regarding the unknowns related to the Italian track, but also regarding the competitiveness of the V4R that, in the hands of Nicolò Bulega, seems almost unbeatable.
"What happened in Assen wasn't a great weekend, especially race two. We're still working on finding a good set-up, but what gave me the most trouble was the drop in tire. It was the first time since Barcelona that something like that happened to me. There was even a hole in the tire. Anyway, We're turning a new leaf. In 2024, I wasn't present here. I had only done one day of testing and watched the race on TV right after surgery," he said before talking about the program ahead of him on Friday.
"Tomorrow will be a crucial day because, in the morning, I'll work on the set-up while, in the afternoon, I'll focus on race simulation to understand the tires. I expect a strong Ducati, particularly because of the heat that favors its package. But I hope to be able to fight for the win, since my BMW is set up well. It won't be easy. I just hope I won't struggle with the tires because, without those problems, I know I can have my say," he explained.
"This track is full of slow corners but no violent braking. Plus, being short, it might suit my characteristics, but I have no idea. Like I said, it's going to be crucial to understand everything well and find the optimal setting. I'm confident but, I must admit, that I'm a little worried about the tires, after Assen," he later confessed.
A question about his future was inevitable, since many are already doing it. "We're still discussing with different brands, but I don't know where I'll be going. As for me, I prefer to stay focused on my job, which is riding the bike. When I sign, you'll know. Is the MotoGP a priority? I talk about that with my manager, Sofuoglu, not with you," he retorted.
Instead, about his riding style and whether this could fit well in the top class, he said: "I've only tried the SBK so far but, in two years, they'll have Pirellis available, so I could have fun there as well." Then, on the fact that, according to most MotoGP teams and managers, the Moto2 is valued more than the SBK championship the Turkis rider replied: "Really? If a chance to go arises, I'll try to take advantage of it, since I've given enough here. To date, however, I'm very happy to be here, so, should the opportunity not arrive, I won't mind. In any case, the possible transition will have to take place by 2027 since, in my opinion, 2028 will already be too late for everything."
And with which manufacturer he might sign in the future, he pointed out: "I'd like to continue with BMW because the guys are working hard and I'm doing well. But they don't have that in the MotoGP. We'll see. Kenan is taking care of that."
On how far his career might go, the 28-year-old considered: "Without injuries, I can imagine having another a decade in racing. If I didn't love competing, I wouldn't win back-to-back. I enjoy being on the bike, and that's a very important point. But if I switch to the MotoGP, I could stay five years and then return to the SBK. In 2027, I'll be turning thirty and, after that age, I'm no longer interested in making the jump in category. Cars? There's time for those."
Automatic Translation by DeepL