Razgatlioglu set for June MotoGP test, in contention for 2023 RNF Yamaha seat

After initially planning the test towards the end of 2021, schedule clashes between MotoGP and WorldSBK meant delaying Razgatlioglu’s first M1 Yamaha appearance. 

June, along with two other dates were being discussed between Yamaha and Razgatlioglu’s manager Kenan Sofuoglu, however, Yamaha boss Lin Jarvis has confirmed it will take place next month although the exact date is not yet known. 

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Speaking to Motorsport.com, Jarvis concluded that the test is an opportunity to evaluate him for a 2023 MotoGP ride, but also a reward for winning Yamaha’s first WorldSBK title since 2009. 

Jarvis said: "I would say it's a little bit of both, because obviously winning the championship was a great feat he did last year, first time for us [Yamaha] since 2009. So, that was an important thing and we really appreciate and respect that. 

“So, to try the M1, we had an idea for him to try it a lot earlier than we finally will. Things didn't work out because our championship ran late, his ran late. There were many reasons why it didn't happen earlier. 

“So, finally that first concept has transitioned and changed into a different concept now because for sure it's one of the considerations for him to switch to MotoGP.

Where could Razgatlioglu line-up in MotoGP? 

Should Razgatlioglu make the switch from WorldSBK to MotoGP, a move that will be heavily determined by how well he performs during the one-day test, then joining the Grand Prix class with Yamaha is all-but confirmed. 

And so is the team. 

RNF Yamaha will have at least one seat available after Andrea Dovizioso’s return to MotoGP has not worked out - speculation suggests the Italian could retire. 

Despite Sofuoglu stating on several occasions that moving to MotoGP would only happen in a full factory team, RNF Yamaha would likely provide Razgatlioglu with identical machinery to world champion Fabio Quartararo, who is very close to re-signing with the Japanese manufacturer, and also team-mate Franco Morbidelli. 

While Razgatlioglu remains young (26), Jarvis also hinted that a move to MotoGP needs to take place quickly for the Turkish rider.

"What we've said to him is anyway if you're going to make the switch, do it sooner rather than later because he's going to be 26 this year," continued Jarvis. "So, if he's going to come to MotoGP he should do it soon. 

"What better than to do a serious test on the M1? So, we have a test planned for him in June and we will dedicate a team to him and we will spend an entire day testing with him.

"It will be the first chance to see and feel how he can perform on that bike. I also believe he can definitely be a capable rider in the MotoGP class."

Could Raul Fernandez be a thorn in Razgatlioglu’s attempts to join MotoGP? 

The other option for RNF Yamaha is Tech 3 KTM rider Fernandez. The Spaniard, who made it clear that he wanted to join Yamaha for 2022, was denied that opportunity by KTM. 

However, Fernandez remains committed to joining Yamaha, and although it’s not out of the question that both Razgatlioglu and Fernandez could team-up at RNF, current rider Darryn Binder also remains in the fold for the Razlan Razali-led team, thus choosing one out of the two could be a decision that’s ultimately taken. 

Yamaha have reportedly been in talks with Fernandez and his manager, despite the Moto2 runner-up struggling for form since joining MotoGP.

Razgatlioglu, who is yet to win a WorldSBK race in 2022, will have an opportunity to change that in Estoril next weekend.