‘Not so easy to adapt’ - Toprak Razgatlioglu completes Yamaha MotoGP test

Razgatlioglu, who won his first race as defending WorldSBK champion last time out at Misano, made his long-awaited MotoGP debut at MotorLand Aragon.

As part of a steep learning curve Razgatlioglu experienced Michelin tyres for the first time, a seamless gearbox, greater horsepower and different electronics compared to what he’s used to with his WorldSBK-spec R1.

With the one-day test initially planned for late 2021, calendar clashes between both championships meant a revised 2022 date was needed. 

While it’s not been the season either Razgatlioglu or Yamaha would have wanted so far - the Turkish star has just one win and trails Alvaro Bautista by 79 points - Razgatlioglu has once again been performing at the top of his game throughout the opening four rounds. 

Although lap times weren’t provided, Razgatlioglu was close to the lap times set by Crutchlow according to reports. 

"This was my first day on the Yamaha M1 MotoGP bike and it felt completely different to my R1," said Razgatlioglu. "More horsepower, different electronics, seamless gearbox, all of which is completely new for me.  

"With every lap I learned more, because after WorldSBK it’s not so easy to adapt to the MotoGP machine. 

"Fortunately, I had Cal Crutchlow on hand to offer advice and he was able to help me a lot. The bike feels good, especially on the straight where it’s very fast, and it was interesting to experience the carbon brakes."

Rain brings an early end to first Aragon test

Despite the test getting underway in sunny conditions, rain later in the day meant Razgatlioglu was unable to get a full day of action under his belt. 

The Pata Yamaha rider continued: “The conditions were really hot today, so we stuck to doing five or six lap runs only after the initial run of 12 laps to get a first feeling for the bike. 

"When I watch the MotoGP bikes on television here at Aragon you can see it is a bit bumpy, and I can feel it here today. 

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"It’s not so bad, but you have to keep the gas open to ride through the bumps, because if you close then it becomes more unstable. 

"Overall, a very positive test, even if it was cut short by rain this afternoon, which meant I didn’t get quite as many laps in as I’d have liked. I really enjoyed riding the MotoGP bike, so many thanks to Yamaha for allowing me this opportunity."

Razgatlioglu will have to wait until 2023 for possible MotoGP switch

With Yamaha losing satellite team RNF next year - the Razlan Razali-owned team is switching to Aprilia machinery - Monster Energy Yamaha Team Principal, Lin Jarvis, confirmed last month that there is ‘no spot’ for Razgatlioglu in 2022. 

However, Yamaha remains keen on expanding back to a four-rider setup beyond next season, which if that were to take place would make Razgatlioglu a name to watch.