– As a three-time Superbike World Champion, Toprak Razgatlioglu is experiencing a challenging first MotoGP year with the new V4 Yamaha, as expected. Over the course of the first 13 race weekends, the Turk collected 14 world championship points.
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He managed to break into the points six times, with eleventh place at Balaton Park (Hungary) being his best individual result. He retired twice. In Assen there was a technical problem and most recently in Aragon he crashed.
Overall, it is primarily a learning year for Razgatlioglu. His focus is on next year, when not only the new technical regulations come into effect, but also the switch to Pirelli tires.
The 850cc bikes without the Ride-Height system and with Pirelli tires are supposed to feel more like a Superbike, as the test riders have reported. This could become a game changer for Razgatlioglu.
That is why he clearly says: “Next year is more important for me. I think it is better for us if Yamaha focuses more on the 850cc. That would be much better for me.”
“Because the season is almost over, we are no longer at the beginning. If they bring something new now, it is too late. It is better that we focus on the 850cc. That is my opinion.”
“I don’t know if Yamaha will do that or not. But if Yamaha does that and simply focuses on the 850cc, that would be much better for me. Because next year is a new year for everyone, a new challenge for everyone.”
New setup tried in Aragon
For Razgatlioglu, every race weekend is currently a new experience. In Aragon, he learned something again, as he rode a different setup for the first time, where the Yamaha M1 was set lower.
He understood that this is the right way because he needs a motorcycle that turns well. He had to adjust to this new setup and was satisfied on race day despite his crash because he could turn better.
The biggest difficulty for Razgatlioglu remains the Michelin tire, which he still does not fully get along with: “For example, I am still trying to learn about the tire.”
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“Okay, I understand quite a bit now, but it is still not easy to manage the rear tire. It is of course easier to understand the limits of the front tire.”
“But when braking in a straight line, there is a lack of grip and the front wheel locks. Especially in Aragon, that was incredible. In every corner, every lap, my front tire locked. Straight, but also leaned over.”
“I then tell myself: Okay, this is just how this tire is, I just focus on riding. And yes, I learn something from it. But it was not an easy year for me, especially at the beginning.”
“A weekend can maybe go very badly, but I still try to focus on the positive. And also thanks to my team, because everyone makes sure that I stay strong.”
The search for cornering speed
Because the 29-year-old emphasizes that he feels very comfortable in the Pramac team and with Yamaha and that it is “like a family.” He therefore does not feel left alone but is supported by everyone in his learning process.
“And if I learn something here, especially about cornering speed, which is not really my style, then I might also need that next year with the Pirelli tire.”
“Of course, the Pirelli tire might suit my style better, but I still need the cornering speed. Maybe that will help me for next year and for the future. I always try to see the somewhat more positive side.”
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Soon Razgatlioglu will test the new 850cc Yamaha with Pirelli tires for the second time. On Monday (September 21) after the Grand Prix in Austria, an official test day behind closed doors will take place.
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