Toprak Razgatlioglu admits one feature of MotoGP has ‘destroyed’ him after WSBK switch

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Toprak Razgatlioglu says the constant changes in tyre allocation are preventing him from building any confidence in MotoGP.

Razgatlioglu is adjusting to Michelin tyres after racing with Pirellis in the World Superbikes championship. It has arguably been the biggest challenge he has faced since changing disciplines.

On Sunday, Razgatlioglu had his weakest MotoGP race so far, by his own admission, as he crossed the line last at the German Grand Prix. That was still enough for a point after a string of retirements, but being overtaken by stand-in LCR rider Cal Crutchlow was undoubtedly a low point.

What grade would you give Toprak Razgatlioglu after the first half of his rookie season?

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Toprak Razgatlioglu can’t get used to MotoGP tyres because they keep changing

In MotoGP, there are different specifications of tyres for each circuit, governed by the track characteristics.

Michelin also supply asymmetric tyres to cope with layouts, like the Sachsenring, where one shoulder is worked much harder than the other.

Pirelli occasionally modify their production range in World Superbikes, but only in extreme cases.

“I’m only just beginning to understand the bike and the tyres,” Razgatlioglu said, via Speedweek. “But every race weekend brings different tyres. That’s destroyed my motivation.

“I’d gotten used to one set of tyres, and then we come here and ride with completely different ones. You have grip on one side, but none at all on the other.

• READ MORE: Gino Borsoi sees something ‘not easy to find’ in Toprak Razgatlioglu behind the scenes at Pramac

“It’s very difficult. The others know the track, the tyres, and know exactly how to ride them. It’s perhaps a bit easier for them. For me, this weekend was a disaster.”

Crucially, MotoGP is switching to Pirelli tyres next year, which could transform Razgatlioglu’s mood.

Indeed, there’s a growing consensus based on the early testing that the tyres will be the biggest change, outweighing the new technical regulations. That could give the Pramac rider a head start over his competitors.