Marco Bezzecchi
Toprak Razgatlioglu may prove that everyone was wrong about his move to MotoGP if his latest prediction regarding the premier class’s new era of regulations comes to fruition.
Since it emerged that Razgatlioglu would be competing atop Yamaha machinery at the Pramac outfit during his rookie campaign, the consensus in the MotoGP paddock was that fans would have to wait until 2027 to see his true potential atop prototype machinery.
What could Toprak Razgatlioglu do on a Ducati bike right now?
He played down Iker Lecuona's impressive performance for Gresini in Hungary
That’s because, along with all of the other changes to the technical regulations, Michelin are being swapped for Pirelli as MotoGP’s sole tyre supplier.
Razgatlioglu enjoyed a massive amount of success with Pirelli-branded tyres during his exploits in World Superbikes, and has been tipped to cause issues for his rivals next year once the premier class swaps to Italian rubber.
However, the Turkish rider believes his fate in the 2027 MotoGP campaign does not rely solely on the category changing tyre suppliers, highlighting the necessity for Yamaha to increase the competitiveness of their bike as well.
- READ MORE: Toprak Razgatlioglu could play an ‘invaluable’ role in the development of Pirelli’s MotoGP tyres
Toprak Razgatlioglu says Pirelli tyres ‘isn’t enough’ to make him instantly competitive in MotoGP
During his Thursday afternoon media duties ahead of this weekend’s Czech Grand Prix, Razgatlioglu was asked for his thoughts on finally being able to try Pirelli tyres on prototype machinery at the test that comes one day after Sunday’s race.
If Toprak Razgatlioglu wins a MotoGP title, where he would rank among the motorcycle racing greats?
He already has three World Superbike crowns
“We’ll see,” he said in response via GPOne. “I’m very curious and even excited to try them, but first I have to ride them and understand how they perform.
“The Pirellis are excellent tyres, but you also need a good technical package. Just having the right tyres isn’t enough. I have to try them first, and then I’ll be able to say more.”
While the majority of the grid will have to go through an adaptation phase before properly getting to grips with the new compounds of tyre, Razgatlioglu believes it should be fairly seamless for him, adding, “The transition from Michelin to Pirelli will be quite simple for me.”
- READ MORE: Pirelli chief doubts Toprak Razgatlioglu will have a ‘major’ advantage over MotoGP rivals in 2027
However, he believes the riders within Ducati’s stable shouldn’t have too much of an issue, either. “There are riders who are very happy with the Michelins and others who struggle,” he continued.
“I’ve spoken to several riders, and their opinions vary greatly. For MotoGP riders, it’s not just the tyres that matter: the bike is completely different too. Everything changes. If you ride a Ducati, it’s not a problem.”
Receive racing news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
