Marco Bezzecchi
Toprak Razgatlioglu is realising how difficult it is to adapt to MotoGP from World Superbikes after his first pre-season test with Yamaha.
Things did not run smoothly for the Iwata factory as none of their riders went out on track on day two of the Sepang test. Yamaha encountered engine trouble on Fabio Quartararo’s bike and suspended all operations to resolve the issue.
Razgatlioglu also ‘broke’ his engine during the test, which cost him valuable track time. It did nothing to help the Turkish rider’s adaptation, and he admits that he is struggling to adapt to MotoGP since his move from WSBK.
Podiums, wins, titles? What is Toprak’s CEILING in MotoGP? 🤔
Razgatlioglu was baffled by Pramac teammate Jack Miller as he followed him in Malaysia. He could not understand how he was so fast on the long corners at Sepang, having never ridden the track before.
The 29-year-old is coming to terms with a new bike, tyre and paddock, and he has been trying many different methods to get him comfortable with Yamaha’s machine.
Toprak Razgatlioglu seen using a WSBK-style handlebar that is ‘different’ to the other Yamaha riders
A report from MOW has shared some details about Razgatlioglu’s bike from testing at Sepang. It notes that the Turkish rider uses a ‘different’ handlebar from the other Yamaha riders.
It is a ‘larger’ design that ‘brings him closer to a Superbike’, thus making it slightly more comfortable for his riding style. When asked about the handlebar, he joked: “Yes, now I’m riding a touring bike.”
However, despite the change, he hints that he is still having problems: “I’m really strong when braking, but with this setup I lose on the straights and maybe even a little in the corners because these handlebars are very high.
“It’s not easy to lean over and go down. And normally that’s not my style. I’m trying to adapt.” It is clear that much more work is needed for him to get fully accustomed to MotoGP.
READ MORE: Everything to know about Toprak Razgatlioglu from net worth to nickname
Has Toprak Razgatlioglu joined the wrong MotoGP manufacturer?
Neil Hodgson said Razgatlioglu joined the wrong manufacturer at the end of 2025. Given Yamaha’s struggles in testing, that comment might have been proved right.
Of course, the WSBK star would have had to adapt to any MotoGP team’s bike, but Yamaha are in a transition period with a bike that is not yet competitive. The V4 needs time to be developed, but at this stage, it looks miles behind its rivals.
Jorge Lorenzo says Razgatlioglu joined Yamaha at their ‘worst moment’. They face a season of struggle by their own admission, especially in the early rounds.
Razgatlioglu is bound to be unhappy with Yamaha after their ‘mess’ in Sepang. He may even be ‘calling’ his manager, which would mount the pressure on the Iwata factory to deliver the goods.
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