Toprak Razgatlioglu Confronts Steep Learning Curve After Challenging Silverstone MotoGP Debut
Toprak Razgatlioglu’s maiden MotoGP race at Silverstone ended with a 15th-place finish, underscoring the formidable challenges the Pramac Racing rider faces in adapting to the premier class.
Despite Yamaha’s current struggles on the grid and his rookie status, Razgatlioglu remains focused on extracting positives from each race weekend as he navigates a steep learning curve.
In a candid post-race reflection relayed by correspondent Manuel Pecino, Razgatlioglu detailed his intense battle with Pol Espargaró during the final laps. “In the last lap, he braked on the inside in every corner. At the end, I avoided repeating the same mistake twice because the system activates too early on one of the four exits,” Razgatlioglu explained. He added that in Turn 5, he struggled to lean properly, costing him nearly 0.05 seconds over two laps, which allowed Espargaró to overtake and maintain a gap too large to bridge despite his efforts. “In some sectors, I’m fast, but the bike excels particularly on the straight, where it’s really quick. I tried to overtake, but it was too far away. We finished very close, but it’s very difficult for me because the tyres and mechanics don’t make it easy.”
Acknowledging his developmental stage, Razgatlioglu admitted that while Saturday’s performance was lacking, Sunday’s race showed improvement. “I think I did better than on Saturday, but overall, we need to learn more. On this circuit, you have to wait longer before lifting the bike, which is very difficult for me since I have never raced here and usually ride in a Superbike style. Many corners require braking and lifting the bike. I’m riding much better here, but I must adapt my style because I’ll race here again next year.”
Razgatlioglu remains unfazed by pressure, concentrating solely on gaining experience. “We finished 15th, but for me, it was a better race. I’m focused only on what I learned this weekend, and that’s very important because next year everything will be different. I must adapt my riding style to the bike and the Pirelli tyres.”
Looking ahead to the upcoming Aragón round, Razgatlioglu is cautious but optimistic. “It’s a very complicated circuit for me because of my style. We had really good races there in Superbike, so we’ll see how it goes with the MotoGP bike.”
The Turkish rider rejects the notion of “good” or “bad” tracks, instead emphasizing the challenge of adjusting to different tyre characteristics. “I try to learn the circuit and each corner, especially Turn 8, which is very difficult for me. Other riders focus on which tyre is better, but I have many things on my mind, and that makes it difficult.”
Despite the struggles, Razgatlioglu maintains a positive mindset. “I always try to stay positive because we learned a lot this weekend, especially about engine braking since not everything can be done with engine braking. We’ll see what happens in Aragón. I hope we improve and can ride at the level of Yamaha’s riders there because that’s the goal.”
His season goal remains clear: “I aimed to finish within the top ten this year. That’s still my objective because I’ve achieved the best I can so far. In the last ten races, I’m trying to get top ten finishes. Maybe I’ll improve more and achieve some top tens, which would make me very happy.”
Razgatlioglu also expressed his fondness for certain circuits, notably Portimão, where he has excelled in Superbikes. “I never say a circuit is bad or not for me. I like old circuits because veteran riders need them. Everyone has favourite tracks, but mine is Portimão in Superbike. We’ll see what happens in MotoGP, and I hope we get special results there.”
Toprak Razgatlioglu’s candid assessment reveals the raw reality of a rookie adapting to MotoGP’s demands while staying resolutely committed to growth and improvement on and off the track.