Toprak Razgatlioglu says it’s ‘not always easy’ to follow Andrea Dovizioso’s advice about MotoGP

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Andrea Dovizioso has been watching Toprak Razgatlioglu ride the Pramac MotoGP bike before offering advice in the garage.

Now a test rider for parent manufacturer Yamaha, Dovizioso started 248 MotoGP races between 2008 and 2022. That ranks him third all-time behind Valentino Rossi (372) and Aleix Espargaro (259).

Dovizioso also won 15 times, which is good enough to put him in the top 20 overall. Razgatlioglu may be a three-time World Superbikes champion but the challenge of MotoGP is new.

Toprak Razgatlioglu on Andrea Dovizioso’s mentor role

Yamaha asked Dovizioso to assist Razgatlioglu during pre-season testing and that arrangement has continued in the early races.

Razgatlioglu knows it’s ‘essential’ to listen to Dovizioso given his rare level of experience. The Italian no longer races but has been involved in testing the bike.

Speaking to Speedweek at Jerez, Razgatlioglu admitted that it can be hard to implement Dovizioso’s guidance, but showed his appreciation.

“He has a lot of experience, I listen to him and trust him. Dovi also watches me on the track and tries to help me find my way.

“He explains a lot to me, but it’s not always easy to put into practice. He helps me understand the MotoGP style, and we work together quite often.”

Dovizioso thinks Razgatlioglu will benefit from his 2026 difficulties in the long run, growing through adversity before next year’s regulation changes. MotoGP is switching to Pirelli tyres next year, which should suit the WSBK veteran.

How Toprak Razgatlioglu is feeling after miserable Jerez weekend

The Spanish Grand Prix was arguably Razgatlioglu’s toughest MotoGP outing so far. An incident with Lorenzo Savadori ended his Sprint hopes and he subsequently earned a long-lap penalty for the Grand Prix.

The Turkish rider ultimately finished last among the regular riders who were classified, only beating Yamaha wildcard Augusto Fernandez.

Razgatlioglu is desperate for a solution to a ‘huge’ engine braking problem that is severely hampering him.

Pramac boss Gino Borsoi says Razgatlioglu wants to ‘prove he’s fast’ but currently lacks the know-how and, more importantly, the machinery to do so. He is responsible for the team’s only point of the season, which unsurprisingly leaves them bottom of the standings.