Toprak MotoGP Test - Yamaha Expected More From "El Turco"
Categories: MotoGP
In Jerez, Toprak Razgatlioglu got another chance to test the Yamaha MotoGP bike. Although the Turk didn’t disappoint, the Japanese expected more.
At the private test in Jerez, Yamaha took another step towards bringing Toprak Razgatlioglu into MotoGP in 2024.
Although they are still planning to extend Franco Morbidelli’s contract, if his performance curve does not show a clear upward trend in the next few races, they could think more about signing Razgatliogliu in the premier class.
The seriousness of the situation is shown by the visit of the Yamaha Racing management team to the private test in Jerez.
Besides Managing Director Lin Jarvis and Team Director Massimo Meregalli, Superbike Manager Andrea Dosoli was also on site to observe Razgatlioglu’s test ride.
While the weather had more or less put a spanner in Toprka’s works at the first test in 2022, the Turk was able to take advantage of the good weather in Jerez and complete 100 laps.
Toprak Razgatlıoglu will have a new opportunity to try the Yamaha YZR-M1 during a planned development test on Monday 10th & Tuesday 11th April in Jerez.
— Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP (@YamahaMotoGP) April 9, 2023
Find a link to the full report below 📰
🔗 https://t.co/AW8nxnmsQz#MotoGP | #YamahaFactoryRacing | #WorldSBK | @toprak_tr54 pic.twitter.com/pQViWIeeII
Massimo Meregalli sums up the test ride: “Toprak has experienced the differences between Superbike and MotoGP. He has always ridden in the race configuration and has noticed that the bike is much stiffer and more nervous. He rides very on-off in Superbike, whereas here you need much more cornering speed [in MotoGP],” the Italian explained.
But although Razgatlioglu made a decent impression, ending his fastest lap within seven-tenths of test rider Cal Crutchlow, Yamaha had expected a bit more from the Turk.
Speaking to Italian TV channel Sky Sport, Meregalli admits: “Frankly, I expected his lap times to be more consistent after two days. But I don’t think he pushed hard.”
Razgatlioglu announced beforehand that he wanted to use the test more to get used to the distinctly different seating position of MotoGP and the overall difference to his Superbike.
“We rode with him without putting him under pressure, he didn’t make any mistakes,” Meregalli praised the 2021 World Superbike champion.
“He didn’t go chasing times, so it’s hard to make a judgement. Basically, I think it was a good test.”
