Marco Bezzecchi
Pramac boss Gino Borsoi is encouraged after seeing Toprak Razgatlioglu test Yamaha’s prototype 2027 MotoGP bike at Brno recently.
Razgatlioglu represented Yamaha alongside Augusto Fernandez as the five manufacturers convened for a behind-closed-doors Pirelli test after the Czech GP.
It’s rumoured that some teams used early versions of their 850cc machines for next year, while others modified their current bikes to simulate the upcoming regulation changes.
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Leaked lap times show that Razgatlioglu was fourth-fastest, with Borsoi telling Motosprint that the second-generation V4 seems to be ‘a step forward’. The feedback on the bike’s balance was also positive.
It’s too early to draw firm conclusions, but the small sample so far suggests Yamaha have gained ground on their European rivals.
More important at this stage is Razgatlioglu’s feeling on the bike. In a predictably difficult rookie season, he has been pinning his hopes on the switch to more familiar Pirelli tyres.
Fernandez confirmed that Razgatlioglu looked more comfortable on the Italian rubber, which he used during his dominant WSBK days, and Borsoi says he can pivot back towards his instinctive riding style.
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“The Brno test was positive, even though the bike is still in its infancy and there’s work to be done in terms of development,” he said.
“This bike, with a new engine and Pirelli tyres, has gotten closer to the others, and thanks to the Pirellis, Toprak has found himself closer to his riding style and the world he knows.
“The 850 engine seems like a step forward, but we’ll have to work on performance. The overall balance of the bike is better and it performs better, so we’re off to a good start.”
While the Japanese giants are currently bottom of the constructors’ with just 59 points from 10 races, experts are certain that Yamaha will be back given the resources at their disposal. The new regulations offer the opportunity they have been waiting for.
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