The year 2026 is likely to be immensely complicated for Toprak RazgatliogluThe Turkish rider, a former Superbike competitor, is finding it very difficult to adapt to MotoGP, to the point that he already expressed his demotivation a few days ago. During the Buriram tests, the three-time WSBK world champion couldn't keep up with Jack Miller for more than two corners, which raises serious questions about his performance. Toprak is putting things into perspective just hours before the start of the season, but is struggling to hide his concern.
Razgatlioglu spoke before the first Grand Prix about his current situation, which is far from easy. « My first race will be very difficult, partly because of the heat on this circuit.I didn't make any major progress during the trials, but at least I understood some things. I'm also still studying Jack Miller's data; He's a good person, and I sometimes work with him.When I follow him, I see how he handles certain corners. I hope to improve on Friday. My pace isn't optimal. I'll give it my all. But it will probably take me a few races before I've mastered everything. » he asserted for speedweek.
He must therefore focus on the sensations and not on the stopwatch. « I'm trying not to look at the times – maybe we should just turn the screens offI expected it to be difficult. It's complicated with Yamaha at the moment, but I believe this brand can make significant progress. They've already achieved many successes. Everyone is working hard – Yamaha might be stronger by mid-year, by the end of the year, or even next year. But I still have a lot to learn » he added.
However, he reiterated his love for MotoGP, a category that has always been a dream of his. « I love MotoGP, it's a huge sportI just need to take the time to get to know everyone. The interviews are incredible: in Superbike, it was always the same group of journalists. There are so many more people here, I'm constantly being filmed by a different camera.Deniz Öncü will have to help me; he knows the paddock like the back of his hand. he concluded.
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Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport