Marco Bezzecchi
Toprak Razgatlioglu’s preparations for his debut MotoGP season are fully underway, and he is starting to realise the task at hand.
Replacing Miguel Oliveira at Pramac, the three-time World Superbike champion was bound to have a tough rookie season. After all, he will be riding a V4 bike that he has never ridden before, and one that Yamaha have admitted that they are ’15 years behind’ on developing.
That did not stop huge expectations from being placed on the Turkish rider, given his incredible talent in WSBK. Many riders on the grid think Razgatlioglu will win with Pramac in 2026 and that he could fight towards the front of the field.
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However, reality settled in during pre-season testing, as Yamaha encountered engine trouble in Sepang, forcing them to withdraw from the second day of the test.
There was also the issue of their new signing’s seating position. Yamaha removed Razgatlioglu’s rear wings to comply with MotoGP’s height restrictions, and the 29-year-old was finding it difficult to adapt.
Toprak Razgatlioglu told Manuel Puccetti that he needs more time to understand Yamaha’s V4
Paolo Pavesio says Razgatlioglu’s honeymoon period is over as he is now starting to understand what MotoGP is really like. He was not best pleased after Sepang, even saying that his motivation had taken a hit.
Razgatlioglu’s former Kawasaki boss, Manuel Puccetti, spoke to GPOne about his struggles in MotoGP. He expressed concern about the expectations surrounding the Pramac rider.
“I’m a bit concerned about the excessive expectations, all this hype scares me. He’s been pushed a lot by the media, although I understand the enthusiasm.
“In some ways it’s normal, but it takes time: different bike, different tyres, carbon brakes. Let’s give him at least six months to adapt. Then he’ll be able to express his full potential. At the beginning, I think he’ll do more or less like Nicolo Bulega.”
Razgatlioglu had spoken to Puccetti after the Sepang test. Asked what he had said, he replied: “He needs time to understand how to get the most out of this bike. He’s in a learning phase and we need to give him the time he needs. Once he understands everything, he’ll start to show his true potential.”
READ MORE: Everything to know about Toprak Razgatlioglu from net worth to nickname
What can Toprak Razgatlioglu realistically achieve in 2026?
With Yamaha’s V4 engine being so far behind the rest of the field, at this stage, it is hard to see Razgatlioglu living up to the expectations that many people have placed upon him.
Livio Suppo says it will be ‘impossible’ for Razgatlioglu to be competitive straight from WSBK. He will need time to adapt to the V4 and slowly work his way up.
Where do you think Toprak Razgatlioglu will finish on his MotoGP debut?
Razgatlioglu thinks former WSBK rival Bulega would be ‘much better’ than him in MotoGP, as his ‘precise riding style’ is more suited to the category. The Italian finished P15 in Portimao and Valencia last season as a stand-in for Marc Marquez at Ducati.
Around this range is likely where Razgatlioglu will end up on his debut in Thailand, and indeed for the opening few races. As Yamaha continue to develop the V4, he is sure to make steady progress throughout 2026.
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