Kenan Sofuoglu Dismisses Toprak MotoGP Plan - "Stay In WSBK"
Categories: MotoGP
After rumours about a possible move to MotoGP, Toprak Razgatlioglu’s manager Kenan Sofuoglu blasts the plans and advises him to stay in WSBK.
Before the World Superbike race weekend in Assen, Toprak Razgatlioglu completes his second MotoGP test with Yamaha.
The stint in Jerez on the M1 again triggered speculation about a possible MotoGP future for the Turk.
After Razgatlioglu himself had announced a switch to the premier class as a goal for 2024, his manager Kenan Sofuoglu now advises him otherwise.
“Toprak is very talented, he has maybe more talent than many MotoGP riders. But if you want to ride MotoGP, you have to grow up in the GP paddock, from the Red Bull Rookies Cup to the Moto3 and Moto2 World Championships.”
But Toprak grew up in SBK, that’s where his home is. If you go into MotoGP as a World Superbike champion, it can be very difficult.”
I always tell Toprak, ‘Stay in Superbike.’ Because I’ve been coaching and building him up for many years – for Superbikes, not MotoGP.”
"Decision Soon"
Sofuoglu knows about the talent that his protégé naturally brings with him. But the former World Supersport champion sees the risk outweighing the chance in a possible MotoGP move.
The adjustment period is long and hard for a rider who has grown up in the Superbike class. Sofuoglu feels vindicated after Razgatlioglu’s second MotoGP test.
“He has now done this test, but we can’t say he found it easy to adapt to the bike. He struggled to understand the bike. The MotoGP bikes are much stiffer, also the seating position is completely different. That’s why every Superbike rider needs time to find his way around MotoGP.”
Regarding Toprak’s future, his manager confirms a decision soon. However, he does not yet know whether an agreement will be reached on a switch to MotoGP or whether he will remain in Superbike.
“He will make a decision soon. I think we will continue to race in the Superbike World Championship. Even if at the moment it looks like we can’t fight for the title.”
