Marco Bezzecchi
Toprak Razgatlioglu is unlikely to have many direct battles with Marc Marquez during his first MotoGP season.
History suggests that Marquez will dominate the championship even if Aprilia build a bike on a similar level to Ducati. Meanwhile, Yamaha are set to prop up the pecking order after switching to a V4-powered bike.
Razgatlioglu has repeatedly emphasised that he sees 2026 as an adaptation year before he starts targeting podiums and even wins under the new regulations. A three-time World Superbikes champion, he hasn’t moved to MotoGP simply to be a comfortable midfield rider.
What does Toprak need to achieve in 2026 to join Yamaha’s 2027 factory line-up?
MotoGP owners Liberty Media will desperately hope that a rivalry develops between Marquez and Razgatlioglu, arguably the two biggest names in motorcycle racing, before the former retires.
Alvaro Bautista says Toprak Razgatlioglu can’t match Marc Marquez for talent
In an interview with Speedweek, Alvaro Bautista warned Razgatlioglu that Marquez will be a ‘different’ beast compared to what he’s faced in Superbikes.
Bautista was riding for Honda satellite team Gresini when a young Marquez won the 2013 and 2014 titles for the factory squad.
After his move to WSBK, Bautista became one of Razgatlioglu’s biggest opponents. He ended his reign as world champion in 2022 and retained the title in ’23.
When do you think Marc Marquez will retire from MotoGP?
“In terms of talent, Marc is on a different level than the rest of the field,” said Bautista. “Toprak is also very talented, but it’s different.
“I think Marc has already reached his best level, and from there it’s difficult to improve further. Toprak, on the other hand, still has more room to improve.”
Previously, Bautista has said that Razgatlioglu will face a different culture in MotoGP, where ‘nobody cares’ if a rider starts complaining about the bike.
What has Toprak Razgatlioglu said about Marc Marquez?
Razgatlioglu ‘often’ speaks to Marquez on the phone and he has told the Spaniard that it will be an ‘honour’ to share the track with him. This finally happened on Tuesday as the Sepang test got underway.
Off the track, Razgatlioglu has praised Marquez’s character. Despite what he has achieved, the Ducati star doesn’t act like a ‘superstar’.
Razgatlioglu’s target is to fight Marquez by 2027, when he will have an important advantage as MotoGP switches from Michelin tyres to Pirelli.
While Pirelli’s tyres will differ from their WSBK model, some of the fundamental characteristics should remain the same.
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