MotoGP: Toprak Razgatlioglu reveals what he doesn’t ‘trust’ after following Jack Miller in Thailand test – ‘I’m getting sad’
By Marko Tankosic
SME News Balkan. Toprak Razgatlioglu has admitted he does not yet trust the front tyre on his MotoGP machine and says he must adapt quickly if he is to close the gap ahead of his highly anticipated debut at the Thai Grand Prix.
The 29-year-old arrives in MotoGP with a formidable reputation after winning the World Superbike Championship three times, but pre-season testing has highlighted just how challenging the transition to the premier class will be.
Two Seconds Off the Pace in Testing
Razgatlioglu, now riding for Pramac Yamaha, finished the final Thailand test session second from last, around two seconds off the leading pace. Despite following team-mate Jack Miller on track in an effort to identify where he was losing time, the Turkish rider found the same issue recurring.
The front tyre, particularly during corner entry and mid-corner lean, remains his biggest concern.
“When I was following Jack, I was surprised because I was losing a lot in the first corner and the first sector,” Razgatlioglu explained. “I’m riding more calmly because I don’t trust the front tyre. On braking it’s okay, but when I lean, I don’t know the limit.”
Learning the Limits the Hard Way
Razgatlioglu revealed he was astonished by how aggressively other MotoGP riders attack corners, leaning far further than he currently feels comfortable doing.
“When I saw Jack in the first corner, he was leaning a lot. At first I was waiting for his crash, then I saw he was turning and I was surprised,” he said. “I’m pushing my best, but the lap time is not coming.”
Despite his struggles, Razgatlioglu remains realistic about the challenge of switching from World Superbikes to MotoGP machinery, particularly with the different tyres and riding style required.
“I knew very clearly when I moved to MotoGP that the tyres and the bike would be very different,” he admitted. “But still I’m not really adapted, especially with the front tyre.”
Patience Required at Pramac Yamaha
Razgatlioglu joined MotoGP under significant pressure to help improve Pramac Yamaha’s fortunes, with Miller finishing 17th overall last season as the team’s top rider. However, expectations of instant success may need to be tempered.
The Turk acknowledged that adaptation will take time and even suggested that a crash may be necessary to truly understand the limits of his new machine.
“I haven’t crashed yet, but maybe I need to crash to understand the limit,” he said. “When I lean, I’m already waiting to lose the front tyre, while the other riders lean fully and the bike just turns.”
Focus on Progress, Not Results
As MotoGP prepares for the season opener in Thailand, Razgatlioglu’s focus remains on learning rather than results. While the pace deficit is currently significant, his honesty and determination underline a long-term approach to mastering MotoGP.
With champions like Marc Marquez setting the benchmark, Razgatlioglu’s journey into the sport’s elite class is only just beginning.
