Marco Bezzecchi
Toprak Razgatlioglu’s introduction into the MotoGP fold has brought a whole new demographic of fans to the sport, but one Yamaha chief has asserted that the move wasn’t just intended for that reason.
The three-time World Superbike champion, Toprak Razgatlioglu, will be making his full debut on prototype machinery in just a matter of months, and a wave of Turkish fans are expected to be in his corner for it.
Razgatlioglu is expected to redefine ‘modern riding’ during his maiden season in the premier class, and has been tipped to be a serious contender for titles following the conclusion of the sport’s current technical era in 2026.
He cemented himself as one of the all-time greats on silhouette machinery in WSBK, and his latest championship feat in the category was just the cherry on top.
Razgatlioglu will partner with Jack Miller at Pramac in the upcoming campaign, and the two riders are already reported to have a good rapport with each other.
The only thing that remains to be seen is whether the 29-year-old’s impressive results in WSBK can translate into the same thing atop prototype machinery in MotoGP.
- READ MORE: Red Bull’s ‘dream’ plan for Marc Marquez could help Toprak Razgatlioglu earn a Yamaha promotion
Can Toprak Razgatlioglu replicate his World Superbike success in MotoGP?
Paolo Pavesio asserts that Toprak Razgatlioglu is not just a ‘marketing operation’ for Yamaha
In a recent interview with Moto.it, Yamaha director Paolo Pavesio was asked for his opinion on how well MotoGP’s newest star would fare in the Grand Prix motorcycle category.
The introduction of Razgatlioglu to the premier class grid marks the first time that a Turkish rider will be competing in the category, opening up the sport to a swathe of new fans who want to support their home hero.
However, Pavesio is adamant that the signing was simply a sporting decision and nothing more than that.
He said, “When we signed with Toprak, I immediately said it wasn’t a marketing operation, and it isn’t; Turkey has nothing to do with the market.
“We believe he is a rider with extraordinary talent. This was clearly seen in a different championship, and we believe that, given time and support, he can do very well in MotoGP as well.
“It is still something that brings enthusiasm; it brings an interesting challenge. You can already see that it is capturing the interest of fans, and we have also seen some interesting things.
“Although we have only done a test and a half, he did a small shakedown before Valencia and then a couple of days in Valencia.”
- READ MORE: Fabio Quartararo warned ‘everything will change’ at Yamaha following Toprak Razgatlioglu’s arrival
Has Toprak moved to MotoGP too LATE?
Paolo Pavesio highlights how Toprak Razgatlioglu is ‘a project within a project’ within the Yamaha ranks
Razgatlioglu has set himself the goal of challenging the very best on the MotoGP grid during the 2027 season.
Given Yamaha’s performance in recent years, the 2027 season also offers them a chance of redemption as the premier class enters a new era of technical regulations.
Pavesio has also identified the regulatory overhaul as being the best time for the 29-year-old to make his mark on the championship, highlighting how Razgatlioglu is joining a team who are in a transition phase themselves.
“It is still a project within a project because bringing in a rider of that talent, who is no longer a kid,” Pavesio said.
“We know that there are not ten years ahead with a path that at a minimum requires a year of, how to say, learning, apprenticeship, during which we also need to develop the package.
“2027 is the year in which, if we are good, he will certainly be able to express his full potential.
“In addition, there has been a change in the technical regulations that took place a couple of years ago, as well as the news from Pirelli this year, so that is certainly another issue that makes it even more interesting.”
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