Marco Bezzecchi
Toprak Razgatlioglu’s long-awaited debut in MotoGP is just a couple of weeks away now, and everyone in the premier class paddock is interested to see how the World Superbikes icon fares.
Despite being classed as a rookie for the upcoming MotoGP season, Toprak Razgatlioglu is arguably one of the more established names on the premier class grid in the wider landscape of motorcycle racing.
The three-time World Superbikes champion will go down as one of the greatest riders in recent history to take part in the production motorcycle racing category, but his success continuing over to the Grand Prix classes isn’t guaranteed.
Things haven’t gotten off to the best start for the Turk, however, after Yamaha ran into problems with their new V4-powered bike ahead of the second day of testing in Sepang.
The Japanese constructor was able to get things working again for the final day of the test, but it remains to be seen how reliable their new iteration of MotoGP prototype will be in the upcoming term.
- READ MORE: What Toprak Razgatlioglu can’t ‘understand’ about Jack Miller after following him in MotoGP testing
Podiums, wins, titles? What is Toprak’s CEILING in MotoGP? 🤔
Carlos Checa shares his one doubt about Toprak Razgatlioglu in MotoGP
In an interview with Mundo Deportivo, former MotoGP rider and World Superbikes title-winner Carlos Checa offered his thoughts on Razgatlioglu’s move to Grand Prix motorcycle racing and what he can achieve in the category.
The Spaniard said, “Personally, he’s one of my favourite riders. I like him a lot, both professionally and personally. I think he’s going to do very well.”
However, Checa is unsure if the three-time WSBK champion will be able to become the first rider to come from the production motorcycle racing category and win a MotoGP title.
He added, “I don’t know if he’ll win the World Championship or when, but he’s a potential world champion. I’d put him in the top five.
“This year, I don’t know how the Yamaha will perform, I don’t know how he’ll adapt to the Michelins, but I think he’ll find more of a difference in the tyres.”
Cal Crutchlow is arguably the greatest WSBK-MotoGP convert, having won three Grands Prix following his switch to the premier class in 2011.
Recent history certainly doesn’t bode well for Razgatlioglu’s chances of finding success in MotoGP, but the Turkish rider boasts a certain skillset that suggests that if anyone can be the first to make the move and win a world title, it will be him.
What does Toprak need to achieve in 2026 to join Yamaha’s 2027 factory line-up?
Carlos Checa also agrees with the sentiment that 2027 will show Toprak Razgatlioglu’s true talents in MotoGP
With the 2026 MotoGP season being viewed as a year of learning for the 29-year-old, many in the MotoGP paddock are under the impression that Razgatlioglu will show his true colours in 2027.
It’s an opinion that Checa also shares, continuing in his interview with the Spanish publication, “Looking ahead to 2027, a year he knows the Pirelli tyres very well and with a year of experience under his belt, I think it could be a very good year for him, provided the Yamaha allows him to compete at that level.
“Hopefully, technically, these differences that are currently defining the factory statuses might be less pronounced, perhaps a little more open, giving the rider a slightly wider window of opportunity.
“That’s where he can make a bigger difference, because right now it’s clear that no matter how good a rider you are, if the bike doesn’t technically support you with these new regulations, it’s difficult to succeed.
“Hopefully, with the tyres and these technical regulation changes, the bike will once again be a bit more about the rider and less about the engineer.”
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