MotoGP instead of Superbike: What Toprak Razgatlioglu still struggles with

– Progress is visible, but so are the construction sites. After a difficult Grand Prix in Barcelona and a weather-shortened Monday test, Toprak Razgatlioglu still draws a positive conclusion. Above all, Yamaha has made a significant step forward with the medium tire.

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“Today I am happy because we have improved a lot, especially with the medium tire,” explains the Turk. Above all, Pramac-Yamaha has gained when turning in. “And acceleration is easier because I can get on the gas earlier.”

Razgatlioglu was also optimistic about consistency. Without slipstream, he reportedly drove several low 1:40 times during the test. “I consistently drive 40:0, 40:1, 40:0 with the medium tire and without following anyone.” With a rider ahead, even high 39-second times were possible.

Back to Superbike style with soft tires

But this is exactly where his biggest problem still begins: the soft tire. Although the softer Michelin nominally offers more grip, Razgatlioglu has so far not been able to gain the decisive advantage over a fast lap.

“When I put on the soft tire, I drove the same lap time,” he said disappointedly. The reason for this lies less with the motorcycle than with his own riding style.

The three-time Superbike world champion analyzes his difficulties remarkably openly. Comparing data with Fabio Quartararo, he recognized where the difference lies: Quartararo carries significantly more corner speed with the soft. “I try it too, but at the moment it is very difficult,” he admits.

Photo series: The career highlights of Toprak Razgatlioglu

Especially interesting: The Turk himself feels how much he is still influenced by years of Superbike habits. As soon as the soft tire is mounted, his approach on the motorcycle automatically changes. “My head changes immediately. Then I ride a bit in the Superbike style again,” he explains.

Instead of carrying high corner speed, the 29-year-old instinctively focuses on grip at the corner exit and hard acceleration. Exactly that works only to a limited extent with the Michelin tires in MotoGP.

“With these Michelin tires, you have to maintain more corner speed and open the throttle more gently,” explains Razgatlioglu. His natural style is the opposite: straighten the motorcycle, get on the gas early, and accelerate maximally. That is why he is working intensively to adapt his riding style especially for qualifying laps.

Quartararo as an important Yamaha reference

He also learned from the Barcelona weekend that this point is crucial: “If you start at the front, you usually stay in the leading group. If you start further back, it is very difficult to get forward.” That is exactly why he attaches great importance to managing the soft tire.

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Aside from that, Razgatlioglu already sees clear progress. Above all, the level compared to the other Yamaha riders makes the Turk optimistic. “We are now very close to the other Yamahas,” he says satisfied.

Quartararo in particular serves as a reference. The Frenchman not only shows his strength over one or two fast laps but also keeps the pace consistently high in the race – especially because he regularly starts from the front rows.

Pramac team manager Gino Borsoi also clearly recognizes Razgatlioglu’s development. However, the Italian emphasizes how important every single test minute is for the MotoGP rookie.

Because of the interruptions in Barcelona, valuable time was lost. “Time on the track cannot be bought,” Borsoi knows. “Losing half a test day is not good news for Toprak.” Because for him, riding practice is currently crucial to further adapt his riding style.

Yamaha tries to support him as best as possible and convey the necessary changes to him. Borsoi explicitly praises his rider: “He is a very open guy with an open mindset. He really tries to change.”

The data already show that Razgatlioglu is now riding similarly to Quartararo in some sections of the track. In other areas, however, there is still a need to learn. Borsoi is particularly relieved that the ex-Superbike rider has now fully accepted the situation.

“Two races ago, he understood that he has to orient himself to the other riders, especially to Fabio Quartararo,” he explains. Since then, Razgatlioglu has focused much more on consistently implementing the engineers’ advice.

The adjustment is enormous, which hardly surprises anyone in the MotoGP paddock. After years in the Superbike World Championship, adapting to Michelin tires, carbon brakes, and the riding demands of a prototype motorcycle is considered one of the biggest differences when moving to the premier class.

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