Marco Bezzecchi
Toprak Razgatlioglu’s upcoming MotoGP debut has predictably generated immense hype. But expectations must be managed for his rookie season at least.
Naturally, three-time World Superbikes champion Razgatlioglu will have to adapt to a different series. But even if he’s quick straight away, he’s likely to be riding the slowest bike on the grid.
Yamaha, who supply bikes to Razgatlioglu’s Pramac team, have introduced a V4 engine this year. The message at their launch last week was that they would need time to develop the bike before they can fight their more settled rivals.
Podiums, wins, titles? What is Toprak’s CEILING in MotoGP? 🤔
Of course, Razgatlioglu’s ultimate dream is to win a MotoGP title, becoming the first rider to achieve the feat in both disciplines. To do that, he will have to beat one of the sport’s all-time greats in Marc Marquez.
Luigi Dall’Igna highlights ‘significance’ of MotoGP’s switch to Pirelli tyres
Ducati general manager Luigi Dall’Igna discussed the major rule changes for 2027 in an interview with Spanish outlet Sport.
The sport is switching from 1000cc engines to 850s, banning ride-height devices and curbing aerodynamic development. But Dall’Igna says the move from Michelin tyres to Pirellis is even more important.
“The one about tyres,” he said when asked to name the biggest change. “There’s a significant difference with the new manufacturer.”
What are your thoughts on MotoGP bikes getting slower in 2027?
Let us know in the comments below!
Discussing the engines, Dall’Igna added: That’s positive. It was important to try to reduce the speed of the motorcycles, because in recent years we had reached the limits of the tracks.”
Razgatlioglu is experienced on Pirelli rubber thanks to his days in WSBK. He’s banking on this to give him an innate advantage over MotoGP veterans like Marquez.
Ducati have added Nicolo Bulega, Razgatlioglu’s former title rival, to their test team in the hope of tapping into his Pirelli expertise.
What does Dall’Igna think of Yamaha’s 2026 chances?
Dall’Igna isn’t convinced that Yamaha will be adrift this year. In another recent interview, he pointed out that they showed ‘beautiful’ flashes last year.
Fabio Quartararo bagged five pole positions and was on course to end the brand’s victory drought before a heartbreaking mechanical failure at the British GP.
Ducati technical director Davide Barana has raised doubts about Honda, Yamaha’s Japanese rivals. Alberto Puig’s squad have climbed into the same concessions tier as Aprilia and KTM, which brings new development restrictions.
By contrast, Yamaha remain in the bottom tier, and the resulting freedom will be particularly valuable at the start of the V4 era.
Receive racing news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
