There's no doubt about it for Sylvain Guintoli: Toprak Razgatlioglu's real moment in the MotoGP will come with the 2027 rule change. The former Superbike world champion, who worked closely with the Turkish rider in the BMW test team, sees the switch to 850cc bikes with Pirelli tyres and no ride-height devices as the ideal context to enhance his talent.
"Toprak is one of those guys who is able to make magic happen and do things on a bike that nobody else can. He's a very, very special talent," Guintoli - who'll be running in the London Marathon wearing his race suit to raise funds in memory of his son Luca - explained in an interview with Crash, also pointing out how the current MotoGP represents a complex challenge for a rookie coming from Superbike.
According to the Frenchman, the key is in adapting to the current technical package. "Because of the tyres and the ride-height devices, a MotoGP bike has to be ridden in a different way." This is a major change that makes 2026 a year full of variables, even considering the uncertainty regarding the competitiveness of the new Yamaha V4.
The scenario changes dramatically as we look towards the future. "In 2027, the DNA of the Pirelli tyres suits his style a lot. And we know how fast he can be with, let's say, more 'conventional' bikes. Without ride-height devices, like in superbikes, he's going to be a proper weapon," Guintoli said, without hesitation.
But, before then, we'll have to see how quickly Razgatlioglu is going to be able to close the gap. "Next season is a bit of a question mark in terms of how fast will he be able to adapt." But his potential isn't in question. "But clearly Toprak is extremely talented. He's one of the special guys."
So, with the Pirellis and "purer" bikes, 2027 could be the perfect ground for really seeing the true qualities of Toprak Razgatlioglu in MotoGP.