The Sepang shakedown was an opportunity for some drivers to discover their new machines, in preparation for the official tests scheduled for next week in Malaysia. All attention is focused on Toprak Razgatlioglu, three-time Superbike World Champion. The Turk, the new Pramac Yamaha rider, was quite fast on this occasion, which bodes well for the future. Gino Borsoi, the team manager, is very happy with his new recruit.
Borsoi has high expectations for the 2026 season. After a rather disappointing 2025 season, it must be said, Pramac wants to gradually return to the top, and this would necessarily involve progress from Toprak Razgatlioglu. « Regardless of position, what matters is the consistency of the lap times. This was Toprak's first time riding here, and it's a difficult circuit, but he's already managed a 1'58 lap! Frankly, I didn't expect him to be so fast right off the bat. He needs to find his rhythm on these demanding MotoGP bikes. I saw him looking a little tired, but it's nothing serious. » we read in the columns of GP One.
Toprak's progress has not gone unnoticed in the paddock. « With each outing on the track, he improves new thingsI am delighted, and his approach surprises me; he is very easy to work with. He possesses exceptional talent that now needs to be honed. He's aware of it, and it will take time. But we're moving in the right direction, both with the riders and the bike. » he added.
Toprak is already working to adapt to modern MotoGP, which is far from easy. « The front tire is noticeably different from the Pirellis he's used to.We need to work on long distances, because a loss of pressure significantly affects the bike's performance. He will therefore need to learn how to manage the second half of the race. On the professional side, I found him to be a very nice guy, like Jack Miller.They are both very polite, and that's quite rare, especially coming from a world champion. I didn't know him, and I'm pleasantly surprised. » he concluded.
Do you see Toprak achieving the impossible and winning a race in 2026? Tell us in the comments!
Photo: Michelin Motorsport
Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport
