Toprak had to learn to cope with defeats: “I went straight to the motorhome”

For Toprak Razgatlioglu, the move from the Superbike World Championship to MotoGP was a massive adjustment. The three-time Superbike World Champion not only had to get used to the Yamaha and the Michelin tyres; the new situation also presented him with a mental challenge.

In the Superbike World Championship, Razgatlioglu had been used to fighting for victories for years. Winning races in succession and regularly finishing on the podium was part of everyday life for the Turkish rider. After his move to MotoGP, the situation changed abruptly.

Meagre haul: 14 points from 13 race weekends

Riding the underperforming Pramac Yamaha, Razgatlioglu has managed to score just 14 World Championship points across the first 13 race weekends. This currently places him 21st – and last – among the four Yamaha riders in the World Championship standings. He has yet to achieve a top-10 finish; 13th place at the Le Mans Grand Prix remains his best result to date.

Razgatlioglu recently admitted openly in Aragon that he initially found it difficult to cope with these setbacks. “It hasn’t been an easy year for me. At the start, I’d always go straight to the motorhome and stay there,” said the 29-year-old, describing how much the disappointing race weekends had taken their toll on him.

Razgatlioglu has since learnt to change his approach and find positive aspects even in difficult weekends. “Now I just try to focus on the good bits. Okay, the weekend might be going very badly, but I try to focus on the positives.”

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His Pramac team plays a key role in this. “I’m very grateful to my team, because everyone helps me to stay strong. That’s really good,” emphasised Razgatlioglu. “I feel like I’m part of a family. I’m not alone. Everyone is behind me and pushing me on so that I can learn.”

An important year of learning before the breakthrough?

There’s plenty for the Superbike star to learn. The Michelin tyres, in particular, continue to cause him difficulties. “I’m learning a lot in some areas. When it comes to the tyres, I’m still trying to learn. I’ve got the hang of a few things, but I’m still finding it difficult to handle the rear tyre.”

Razgatlioglu says he’s coping better with the front tyre and can now gauge its limits. Nevertheless, he’s struggling with a lack of grip and a locking front wheel, particularly when braking. “I can understand the limit well when braking. But there’s no grip and the front wheel locks up. It’s unbelievable on this track. My front tyre locks up in every corner and on every lap.”

Rather than letting this discourage him, Razgatlioglu now sees his difficult rookie season as preparation for the future. A key factor here is the cornering speed, which is unfamiliar to him and plays a much greater role in MotoGP than in his previous riding style.

Toprak Razgatlioglu

Foto: Gold and Goose

“Cornering speed isn’t my style. If I learn that this year, I might need it next year,” mused the Yamaha rider, referring to the switch from Michelin to Pirelli in MotoGP. The Italian tyres might, in principle, suit his riding style better.

“Of course, the Pirelli tyres might suit my style better. But I need cornering speed too. Perhaps that will help me next year and in the future,” explained Razgatlioglu.

In this way, the Turkish rider – accustomed to success – is trying to make the most of what has so far been a difficult first MotoGP season. The adjustment isn’t always easy for him, as he himself admits: “I always try to look on the bright side. Sometimes that isn’t easy. But I try to stay that way.”