Marco Bezzecchi
Toprak Razgatlioglu might be in his rookie year, but his challenge in adapting to MotoGP from WSBK has shown the gulf in the two racing classes.
Razgatlioglu’s performances have changed from WSBK to MotoGP, as the Turkish rider has struggled to make the jump.
Razgatlioglu’s crash during FP1 in Hungary was yet another in a long list of mistakes for the rookie this year, as he tries to adapt to MotoGP.
Rate Toprak Razgatlioglu’s chances of securing a top 10 finish in the Hungarian GP out of 10!
The Pramac rider finished FP1 at Balaton Park with the 10th fastest lap 👀
What made his performance in the Hungarian Grand Prix, where he finished in 11th place, even more disappointing was how his former WSBK compatriot, Iker Lecuona, performed with Gresini.
But Marco Melandri believes Lecuona’s performance showed the biggest difference between WSBK and MotoGP, and how much the differences in the two classes can impact the riders.
READ MORE: Yamaha have an obvious attitude problem with Toprak Razgatlioglu despite best MotoGP result
Marco Melandri explains why Iker Lecuona did better with Gresini than Toprak Razgatlioglu
Speaking on the Chiacchiere da Box podcast, Marco Melandri explained why Iker Lecuona performed better than Toprak Razgatlioglu and Nicola Bulega in 2025 despite all three being WSBK riders.
Melandri pointed out that the difference between using Michelin and Pirelli tyres is massive, and Lecuona’s prior MotoGP experience allowed him to thrive, something neither Toprak nor Bulega had when they first entered MotoGP.
“I’m going to explain it to you again. The tyres are so important. Lecuona had already raced in MotoGP. So he knew more or less. Whereas Bulega didn’t.
“Like it or not, the real difference between the two bikes in the two racing classes is the tyres. Next year, when Pirelli is here, if Bulega arrives, he will be very strong.
“Toprak will be very strong, especially considering he is often the faster Yamaha rider. Be careful, that tide will turn. The tyres are the hardest thing to learn.”
READ MORE: Toprak Razgatlioglu was ‘so satisfied’ with Pramac’s significant change to his bike at Italian GP
What could Toprak Razgatlioglu do on a Ducati bike right now?
He played down Iker Lecuona's impressive performance for Gresini in Hungary
Toprak Razgatlioglu hoping for bigger advantage with 2027 regulation change
Under the current regulations, MotoGP bikes use Michelin tyres, something Razgatlioglu isn’t used to, as WSBK bikes use Pirelli tyres.
However, starting next year, MotoGP will make the switch to Pirelli tyres, which will give riders like Razgatlioglu and Bulega a huge edge next year.
Razgatlioglu has already backed Bulega to do well next year, but there’s no reason why the Turkish rider won’t experience similar success.
Pramac believe Razgatlioglu will thrive in 2027, as the new regulations will make the bikes simpler and more suited to him.
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