Toprak Razgatlioglu says Marc Marquez doesn’t act like he’s a ‘superstar’ off the track

Add as preferred source on Google

Toprak Razgatlioglu knows that Marc Marquez is the man to beat during his new life as a MotoGP rider, and already has a good rapport with the seven-time world champion.

With his rookie season in the premier class looming, MotoGP fans were treated to their first look at Toprak Razgatlioglu’s first prototype during Pramac Racing’s season launch on Tuesday.

Fans were quick to express their dismay over Pramac’s livery efforts, but the only thing on Razgatlioglu’s mind is the calibre of performance that Yamaha’s new V4-powered M1 will provide him with.

Due to his status as a three-time world champion in World Superbikes, Razgatlioglu knows that a lot of eyes will be on him to perform during his maiden campaign.

His biggest foe will, of course, be Marc Marquez, who is looking to defend his title for the seventh time in his career.

• READ MORE: Red Bull’s ‘dream’ plan for Marc Marquez could help Toprak Razgatlioglu earn a Yamaha promotion

Toprak Razgatlioglu highlights Marc Marquez’s ‘down-to-earth’ demeanour

Razgatlioglu has already shown his appreciation for Marquez’s talents atop a prototype racing motorcycle, and will get a first-person view of it once the bikes hit the track in February.

During Pramac’s season launch, the Turkish rider was asked several questions regarding his first foray into Grand Prix motorcycle racing by GPOne.

After taking part in a couple of social media posts with Marquez during the FIM’s annual prize-giving ceremony last month, Razgatlioglu was asked what his relationship with the Ducati star was like.

He replied, “We have a great relationship. Marc is a legend and a down-to-earth person, without any superstar attitudes.

“Last year, he showed the whole world what can be done after a serious injury, and I’d love to battle with him on the track. It would be a dream, unless he decides to retire. I have a lot of respect for him.”

A similar sentiment has been echoed by Marquez’s Ducati crew chief, Marco Rigamonti.

The Italian engineer previously stated that Marquez is far from a typical MotoGP star with a ‘VIP’ attitude, highlighting how it was something that surprised him about the Spaniard at first.

• READ MORE: Jack Miller issues clear verdict on being Toprak Razgatlioglu’s ‘mentor’ in his rookie MotoGP season

Toprak Razgatlioglu also showed his class by sharing his verdict on being called a ‘superstar’

During his interview with GPOne, the 29-year-old was also told of the change in portrayal that fans have of him since his WSBK debut in 2018.

Once a shy competitor, Razgatlioglu grew into a giant of the WSBK grid who instilled fear into any rider who saw him pursuing them from behind.

Asked about his own superstardom, he replied, “I don’t like being called a superstar. The Toprak who won at Magny-Cours in 2019 is the same as today.

“The only difference is that I’ve won three titles. The most important thing is character, and I intend to keep it that way, without changing. I want to show everyone who I am, hoping to achieve important results.

“I’ve invested a lot in this challenge, and I didn’t even stop during the winter break to train, convinced that, in 2027, I can aim for something even bigger.”