Toprak Razgatlioglu is increasingly discovering Yamaha and MotoGP. After his first contact in Valencia, the Turkish rider completed three days of shakedown testing and is now taking stock. His times show him to be about a second off the pace, but we will find out much more tomorrow when all the riders are on track.
For his part, he is aware of the path that lies ahead, even though the road is anything but downhill. However, the Pramac rider has clear ideas, setting himself an initial goal, namely to get through the first 3-4 races.
"After my experience in Superbike, I feel completely different about MotoGP and I'm still trying to find the right confidence," he said. "I have to adapt to the riding position and the controls. Now I feel a little better, but it's still not easy to get the most out of the tyres because they are completely different from those in Superbike."
What is the main difference you feel compared to Superbike?
"In Superbike, I felt very comfortable, especially when braking. Even though it wasn't easy, I was still able to get good acceleration. Here, however, it's strange: braking is good, but acceleration isn't the same because I still can't use the tyres correctly since the Pirelli tyres are completely different. My style is quite aggressive, but in MotoGP I have to ride more smoothly. When you're more fluid, the tyres work better."
So are you changing your riding style?
"We're analyzing a lot of data with the team: we're strong in braking, but we lose a lot in corner speed. Now we're focusing on that. Maybe by sacrificing a little braking, we can improve corner speed, and that would be better for me. The feeling is good, but the lap time isn't there yet because I'm riding too much in Superbike style, a bit like I've always done."
How different is the MotoGP compared to the Superbike?
"It's completely different. The MotoGP is much faster in corners, while in Superbike I always rode with a strong focus on braking, i.e., acceleration and braking. Here I have to change my mindset and style. It's a challenge, but I'm ready to learn. If I had come from Moto2, maybe it would have been different."
You're coming to MotoGP with Michelin in 2026. Do you think it's the right time?
"I think 2026 is better for me because I'm learning so many things: the chassis is completely different, I'm learning to maintain more speed in corners, and that will be very useful. This year, I'm just focusing on learning the bike, not the tyres, even though they will be different next year. I want to be ready and really show my potential, knowing that I don't know many of the tracks. But Yamaha is working on it, and you'll see that it will make great strides forward."
How are you getting on with Yamaha and the team?
"I'm very happy with the team. Everyone works hard and the atmosphere is very positive. Yamaha has improved the bike and I believe it will be even stronger in 2027. Now we have to find the right balance between the bike and riding style. If we can do that, we can achieve good results."
You are the only Yamaha rider who doesn't use the front device. Why is that?
"I only use the rear one. The rules allow it. If necessary, we can lower the bike even more, but for now, we have to evaluate it carefully, especially with a view to the race. I'll talk to the team about it."
Did you expect such a big difference between Superbike and MotoGP?
"I had already ridden a MotoGP bike in the past, but that was just a test. Now, however, the bike is prepared just for me: the riding position is different, the handlebars are different, everything is designed for my style. I feel better than in the past, even if I don't yet have the same feeling I had in Superbike. In fact, I feel a bit stiff and I'm not as relaxed as I would like to be."
How important is it to feel relaxed on the bike?
"It's the key to everything. Right now, I'm still not relaxed; it almost feels like I'm following the bike instead of the other way around. When I switched to BMW, there was a lot of talk about hard braking at first, but then the bike started to follow my style. I have to get to the same point here. If I can relax, I think anything is possible. Maybe in three or four races we'll see a big difference, but at the moment I don't know where I'll be."
What do you think of Sepang?
"I really like it. It's my first time here. The only corner I don't like is turn 14, where the pressure seems to drop suddenly, but that happens to everyone. Overall, it's a nice circuit with some difficult corners, and MotoGP is really fast here."
"How did you find the MotoGP practice start tests?
"It was strange and a bit stressful at first, because there are so many things to remember and you're afraid of forgetting something. In Valencia, for example, I forgot the launch control, but that's normal for the first few times. Day by day, I'll improve in this area too."