Toprak Razgatlıoğlu demotivated after the Sepang tests: "It's not easy to see my name so low in the rankings"

Relatively fast during post-season testing in Valencia (Spain), Toprak Razgatlıoğlu had a more difficult start during the Shakedown and then the pre-season tests in Sepang (Malaysia). The Turk is one of two rookies for the 2026 season. MotoGP, with Diogo Moreira, Moto2 world champion and new teammate of Frenchman Johann Zarco at LCR Honda.

Going against the grain of most of his rivals, Razgatlıoğlu built his career through Superbike, bypassing the traditional Moto3-Moto2 path. This unique trajectory makes him one of the most intriguing riders on the grid this season. Despite his multiple Superbike titles, the three-time world champion remains a true rookie in MotoGP.

Thanks to his rookie status and Yamaha's D-ranking status, which grants concessions, he benefited from additional track time during the Shakedown held from January 29th to 31st, in addition to the joint tests. However, this opportunity proved less convincing than in Valencia, where Razgatlıoğlu outperformed two of the three other Yamaha riders: Alex Rins (Yamaha) and Jack Miller, his Pramac teammate.

Razgatlıoğlu is lagging behind

Eighteenth in the last session, the Pramac rider gives a harsh assessment of the pre-season tests. I'm always trying to change my driving style. I'm also a bit frustrated because my lap times still aren't there. I was expecting a 1:57, but I only managed 1:58.326. Not being able to do that has been a bit demotivating. It's not easy for me to see my name so low in the standings, especially after my successes in Superbike. »

Accustomed to Pirelli tires in his original discipline, Toprak Razgatlıoğlu was also unsettled by the Michelin tires. They're different from the Pirellis. With the Pirellis, skidding is easy to manage. But with the Michelins, you can't stop the bike. Furthermore, I'm having difficulties with the rear tire. It's very sensitive and it's not easy to gauge the grip. he laments. In Superbike, I used the rear end a lot to take corners, slide, and regain speed. In MotoGP, it's the opposite. You have to ride like in Moto2 and open the throttle very gently because the rear is very sensitive. After Superbike, it's very difficult to achieve that. "However, let's remember that Pirelli will become the official supplier of the discipline in 2027. This might reassure number 7 for the following season."

The Turk also had to contend with a still-fragile V4 engine, which notably forced all the Yamaha riders to stop during the second day of testing at Sepang. His bike also had to be adapted to his height (1,85m). His M1 was therefore stripped of its rear wing to comply with the height regulations. By comparison, Luca Marini (1,84m) rides with a rear wing. This proves that a solution remains possible for Toprak Razgatlıoğlu.

Will the experience gained in Superbike be enough for him to adapt to his new discipline? Some answers will come during the Buriram (Thailand) tests scheduled for February 21 and 22 before the Thai Grand Prix, the opening round of the season scheduled for March 1.

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