Toprak Razgatlioglu is a name to remember and he is already familiar to WSBK insiders. Not only is it the Turkish successor to Kenan Sofuoglu, who also manages his interests, but it is also the kind of passport that the Grand Prix paddock is looking for. It will be for MotoGP as far as the current Yamaha official is concerned on an R1. When ? The former Supersport world champion delivers the roadmap knowing full well that, for 2022, there will be opportunities among the 24 places on the starting grid...
Toprak Razgatlioglu is a name that we could quickly see appear in MotoGP. In this case, there will be some excitement in the peloton, as the Turk's riding style is consistent with Superbike racing of yesteryear. By that, mean that he is very committed, to the point of reminding us that motorcycle sport can also be a contact sport…
A technique which was also made an ambassador by someone who has a clear plan for his young compatriot. The latter could even have been anticipated, if we understand his words correctly: “ there was already interest in Toprak from the MotoGP category ", said Sofuoglu on speedweek. " It was a good offer from a good team, but our goal for 2020 was the Superbike World Championship. When I took him from the Superstock 1000 back then, I made it clear to him that a few years in the Superbike World Championship was important for him ».
Sofuoglu would only deviate from the initial plan in certain circumstances. “ If Toprak wins everything in the World Superbike Championship in 2021 and receives an offer from a factory team, I will reschedule. Toprak would like to make the MotoGP world championship. But our plan is for him to achieve something historic in the World Superbike Championship and to become a legend ».
Toprak Razgatlioglu is Sofuoglu's protégé
Some driver contracts in factory teams MotoGP last until the end of 2022. But twelve of the 22 Drivers will need to renegotiate after the 2021 season, and opportunities will present themselves. Likewise, the grid will be extended to 24 motorcycles, car Aprilia claims two of its own starting positions and Gresini Racing team will once again act as an “independent team”.
This year, Razgatlioglu, 24 years old will drive for the factory team again Yamaha in the Superbike World Championship, in which he will have to assume the role of leader after Michael van der Mark moved to BMW. With the Supersport World Champion Andrea Locatelli, he has a beginner as a new teammate. Finally, since Cal Crutchlow and in 2011 Danilo Petrucci in 2012, no driver was transferred from the SBK paddock to the premier category. It’s Moto2 that has proven to be the breeding ground for MotoGP ever since.
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