The arrival of Toprak Razgatlioglu next year is generating a lot of expectations in the paddock. Some believe he will fail, as the level of competition between WSBK and MotoGP has only increased in recent years. Others think the Turk's flamboyant style will also work in the premier class, where he can demonstrate his genius. What's certain is that we'll all be glued to our screens to watch his first laps during a race weekend at the end of February…
Whether you like him or not—and he's quite popular—Toprak Razgatlioglu certainly doesn't leave anyone indifferent. This is also true of Alberto Vergani, a prominent manager in the world of motorcycle racing, who notably helped Casey Stoner climb the ranks through the Nolan sponsorship. He knows the Australian well, and yet he dares to make the comparison. " A day, Casey told me that I should only focus on my own motorcycle, not another one, and find the best way to ride it.This year in Valencia, Toprak told me he went off because of the chassis, but as soon as he stopped complaining and focused on what more he could do, it got better. He reminded me of Stoner; I thought he was the new Casey, a kind of Stoner 2 – the revenge" we read on GP One.
Many continue to believe that the learning curve will be steep, but Vergani asserts that he can overcome these difficulties. "He is aware of the problems he will encounter and how he will overcome them, with his lightning speed. As Marco Melandri says, Toprak is gifted with talent, a natural talent." he added.
Vergani actually thinks that the Turk could worry the other Yamaha riders, namely Fabio Quartararo, Jack Miller and Alex Rins. « It can be a real headache for themHis results speak for themselves; he has won three world championships with two different manufacturers. I had the opportunity to speak with him in Valencia and the way he approaches things is impressive » he concluded.
Do you, like Alberto Vergani, think that Toprak Razgatlioglu can succeed in establishing himself in MotoGP? Say
Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport
