Marco Bezzecchi
Toprak Razgatlioglu wasn’t expected to be challenging for the top step of the podium during his rookie season in MotoGP due to the calibre of Yamaha’s prototype this year, but that hasn’t stopped him from making his mark on the premier class.
After claiming a third world title in the World Superbikes category last season, Toprak Razgatlioglu’s rookie campaign in Grand Prix motorcycle racing put him up there as one of the most highly anticipated debutants in recent years.
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While P15, the final points-paying position in a Grand Prix, is the best result he has been able to muster after three race weekends, his ability on prototype machinery hasn’t gone unnoticed.
Carlos Checa issues verdict on Toprak Razgatlioglu’s first three races in MotoGP
In an interview with Sport, MotoGP pundit Carlos Checa was asked for his thoughts on what has been the hardest thing for Razgatlioglu to wrap his head around during his maiden season in Grand Prix motorcycle racing.
The Spaniard highlighted how impressive the 29-year-old has been since joining the premier class, but admits that he has joined the Japanese constructor at the height of their struggles in the sport.
He said, “I think Toprak has arrived at the worst possible time for Yamaha, and on top of that with the Michelins, when he’s used to the Pirellis.
“If the bike performs better next year, and with the Pirellis he knows so well, I think he’ll be a bit better overall. However, I think that now, on circuits like Jerez, or other slow tracks, they can probably hold their own better.
What do you rate Toprak Razgatlioglu’s first three MotoGP races out of 10?
“In fact, if we compare his performance with Miller, Rins and Fabio Quartararo, I think he’s doing brilliantly, because he’s been right up there with them, so you could say his riding standard and potential are enormous.
“The only thing is that right now the technical differences between manufacturers are huge and there’s no room to make up for those limitations.”
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Toprak Razgatlioglu has been tipped to surpass Fabio Quartararo this season
Razgatlioglu stamped his authority on the rest of the Yamaha stable at the most recent round of racing in Austin, where he finished as the lead rider for the Japanese constructor.
It earned the Turkish rider his first point in the premier class, which has been tipped to be the first of many for Razgatlioglu.
In fact, Chaz Davies, Razgatlioglu’s former rival in the production motorcycle racing category, is adamant that the Pramac star will surpass Quartararo this season as Yamaha’s number one.
It could prove to be quite the result for the 29-year-old if he is able to get the job done.
With the Frenchman outbound for Honda at the end of the year, more impressive performances could facilitate a move to the factory Yamaha team in time for MotoGP’s new era of regulations in 2027.
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