Marco Bezzecchi
Toprak Razgatlioglu is optimistic that the 2027 generation of MotoGP bikes will be better suited to his riding style. He is finding it difficult to adapt after switching from World Superbikes.
After years of speculation, Razgatlioglu finally accepted an offer from Yamaha to race for the Pramac satellite team this season. But the timing of the move was somewhat surprising.
2026 is the final year of the current ruleset, so some of the Turkish rider’s learnings this year will be invalid in 12 months. For instance, he is adjusting to Michelin tyres this year, but the sport is about to switch to Pirelli rubber.
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Toprak Razgatlioglu optimistic ‘things will be different’ in 2027
Speaking to outlets including Motosprint at the Brazilian Grand Prix, Razgatlioglu explained that he could no longer use his ‘stop-and-go’ style in MotoGP, which rewards a more fluid approach.
But the 29-year-old has hinted that next year’s regulations, as well as the Pirelli tyres, may be more favourable to his innate characteristics. A hybrid style could be the solution.
Razgatlioglu hopes to achieve ‘special’ things in 2027 and many experts are optimistic, particularly if Yamaha can deliver a competitive bike. The Japanese manufacturer have accepted what they hope will be short-term pain after switching to a V4 engine.
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“Right now I have to adapt my riding style,” the three-time WSBK champion explained. “MotoGP requires great cornering speed, while in Superbikes, stop-and-go is more important.
“I raced in production-based motorcycles for many years, and now I’m learning a new technique. It’s not easy; I try in every session.
“This year, it will be like this, but from 2027, we’ll have Pirelli tyres, and things will be different: I could go back to my style. We’ll see, I could do a mix.”
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Intriguingly, Razgatlioglu will play an important role in Pirelli’s MotoGP tyre development. He is one of the few riders on the current grid, alongside the recent Moto2 graduates, who have raced with their tyres before.
They will lean on his feedback when making the final adjustments to their compounds. Razgatlioglu joined test riders from Yamaha and rival manufacturers on track at Jerez last week, using both Pirelli and Michelin rubber.
Francesco Guidotti has called Razgatlioglu a ‘chameleon’ with an ‘outstanding’ ability to adapt. While the 29-year-old has sounded forlorn at times, he may be ahead of schedule.
It’s inherently difficult to adjust from winning races in one championship to battling for the final points place in another. Razgatlioglu knew this would be the case, but his evident optimism for 2027 may carry him through his rookie year.
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