Goiania is a new track for the entire MotoGP field and, as a result, for Toprak as well, who is heading to Brazil to see how his Yamaha performs. Obviously, the situation is far from simple, especially after what we saw in the season-opening round in Thailand.
The M1 is struggling to keep pace with the competition, though the Turkish rider refuses to give up. As we all know, the Pramac man took to the track at Jerez alongside Dovizioso and Fernandez. The goal is to fine-tune the bike to his specifications, trying to accelerate the development process.
But the past is behind him, because the race weekend is already upon us.
“I like Goiânia; it looks like a nice track,” he began. “Some corners are tricky, and if you crash in certain sections, it’s not exactly ideal. So I think we’ll need to clean the track, because it’s still dirty—though that’s normal. The situation will certainly improve starting with FP1, and we’ll see what happens on Friday.”
Toprak, what can you tell us about the recent tests?
“I’m adapting to the M1, and we’ve been working to improve it. This is a new track for everyone, so we’d like a better result. Yamaha and our team are working hard, and from the outside, it looks like the track could suit our bike, but we’ll see. I don’t want to raise expectations, because everything is still up in the air. First, we need to find the right setup and work well with the gearbox.”
Amid all this, the weather is keeping everyone on edge…
“I’m obviously hoping for good weather too, because here it’s very hard to predict what will happen. In the rain, it will be very tough and a major problem.”
Speaking of the Yamaha, what’s the current situation?
“From what the riders say, the bike ran better last year, but this year everything is different—in fact, the project is new. I’m focused on learning everything, and 2027 will be more important. Ultimately, it’s a natural process, given that I’m coming from SBK, where I was always up front, while right now our M1 isn’t ready for the fight. But I believe in Yamaha and the team, because they know what the problem is and are working hard to solve it.”
How long do you think we’ll have to wait?
“I don’t know how long it will take, but I’m convinced that in 2027 we’ll come back stronger because I know Yamaha and I know they want to get back in the fight. Unfortunately, the last three years have been difficult, but I respect everyone at Yamaha for what they’re doing and for all the effort they’re putting in.”
Miller: “A new track could change things, but not put us ahead of all the Ducatis”
The focus then shifts to Jack Miller, ready to take to the track at the Brazilian circuit with his M1. The Australian is certainly curious and eager.
“This is a new track, in a new country, so it’s all to be discovered. Goiânia looks interesting: the track is short but has a good layout. There are several technical sections and some old-school ones; it won’t be easy to learn. The biggest challenge will be understanding the asphalt and the conditions. We’ve seen some patches of wet, and it won’t be easy to read the track. You also have to watch out for glare, because everything looks white and green. I expect the asphalt to be pretty aggressive, but in the end, it’s the same for everyone."
Considering that no one has ever raced here before, do you think it will be a different kind of race, where the standings could get mixed up?
“Yes, because everything is new. It’s always difficult at the start, but at the same time it can be an opportunity. No one has data or experience here, so that could help us a bit. Obviously, we’re not expecting miracles, since I don’t think I’ll be ahead of all the Ducatis. They have a more competitive bike, more data, and they’re very fast. We’re still in the development phase.”
Getting back to the track, how much will the weather affect things? There’s talk of a high risk of rain this weekend.
“If the track is completely wet, there will be a lot of grip. The problem is when there isn’t much water, because in that case the track becomes slippery. I’m ready for a race in the rain, but 30 laps in those conditions would be really long.”
Finally, regarding the development of the V4, what is the current situation? Unfortunately, you struggled at Buriram.
“We’re at the beginning of the project. You need the right mindset; otherwise, you’re immediately behind and have to play catch-up. Every weekend is an opportunity for us, and in MotoGP, anything can happen. We have to face this challenge by improving every time we hit the track, every time we change circuits, and every time we make changes to the bike. Right now, I feel good on the M1 and I’m ready to race. In fact, it feels like an eternity has passed since the first race in Thailand, given that we’ve been idle for almost three weeks.”