Yamaha test rider confirms rumour about Toprak Razgatlioglu’s 850cc laps

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Toprak Razgatlioglu and Augusto Fernandez represented Yamaha in MotoGP’s recent 2027 test at Brno.

With factory riders Alex Rins and Fabio Quartararo leaving (now confirmed) and Jack Miller expected to follow, the under-contract Razgatlioglu was effectively the only incumbent rider who was eligible.

Though the test took place behind closed doors, it was the first official 850cc test session featuring all five manufacturers. Encouragingly, Razgatlioglu set the fourth-fastest time, though it’s naturally difficult to draw representative conclusions at this stage.

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Augusto Fernandez: Toprak Razgatlioglu immediately felt comfortable on Pirelli tyres

Sky Italia reporter Rosario Triolo heard that Razgatlioglu was ‘very happy’ with the Pirelli tyres, which no doubt reminded him of his dominant World Superbike days. He has had to adjust to Michelin rubber in MotoGP this year.

And speaking during the Assen weekend, Fernandez confirmed that Razgatlioglu instantly clicked with the prototype 2027 tyres.

Significantly, he thinks this will be the biggest change for the riders compared to 2026, even in the context of reduced electronics and simplified aerodynamics. That could give Razgatlioglu and any recent Moto2 graduates a major advantage.

“It was interesting to see how he handles the tyres, given his experience with Pirelli,” Fernandez said, via Motosprint. “He felt comfortable right away, especially with the front tyre, which is the most difficult to adapt to, especially the Michelin.

“Toprak’s help was crucial, both for the manufacturer and for me. The most difficult change will be adapting to the tyres, rather than the reduction in power.”

Razgatlioglu has repeatedly made clear that he should be judged on his 2027 form, rather than his 2026 learning year. The impending arrival of Pirelli may have been a key factor in Yamaha’s risky decision to sign him from WSBK.

• READ MORE: MotoGP paddock rumour about Yamaha’s 850cc bike shows Fabio Quartararo is right to leave for Honda

He is, of course, reliant on the Japanese manufacturer improving their bike if he is to achieve his target of scoring podiums.

Having been forced to retire from the Dutch GP due to excessive vibration, Razgatlioglu sits 21st in the championship, second from bottom among full-time riders.