MotoGP commentary from Toprak Razgatlıoğlu: 'The motorcycle doesn't allow it'

After winning three world championships in WorldSBK, Toprak Razgatlıoğlu, who moved to MotoGP, evaluated his first season in the series and the development process with Yamaha. The national motorcycle racer pointed out the decisive role of motorcycle performance, stating that a rider's ability to make a difference on their own is limited in MotoGP.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Razgatlıoğlu recalled that he won championships in his Superbike career in 2021, 2024, and 2025, and that they have played the national anthem many times with his race victories. Emphasizing that MotoGP is a completely different level, the national athlete said that the Yamaha he is currently racing for is in a development process compared to other brands.

Razgatlıoğlu used the following expressions:

MotoGP is much different; it is the equivalent of Formula 1. Especially the Yamaha we are currently racing with is a slightly slower motorcycle compared to the other brands in MotoGP.

Razgatlıoğlu stated that they came to MotoGP knowing this situation, but the process is not easy for an athlete accustomed to winning. The national athlete, who has collected 12 points so far in the riders' standings, expressed that this point total is not a sufficient goal for him and that he needs to reach the podium to earn a special place in his MotoGP career.

2027 GOAL STANDS OUT

One of the most prominent topics in Toprak Razgatlıoğlu's statements was the 2027 season. Reminding that technical rules will change in MotoGP, the national athlete said that the transition from 1000 cc to 850 cc and innovations in tires could create a more suitable motorcycle for them.

Razgatlıoğlu stated that if the motorcycle's performance is not sufficient in MotoGP, it is very difficult for the rider to make an extra difference, commenting, "My hands are tied, I can't do anything. It's really like Formula 1." The national athlete said he believes they could face a much better picture next season if Yamaha takes a big step forward.

I push my limits in the races, but there is no extra difference. The tire doesn't allow it, the motorcycle doesn't allow it.

The national motorcycle racer stated that the first MotoGP point he received in America was an important start for him, but his goals are beyond that. Recalling that he finished ahead of other Yamaha riders in that race, Razgatlıoğlu expressed that it was encouraging to be ahead of names who have been racing with the same motorcycle for many years.

“EL TURCO” AND THE AUSTRIA INVITATION

Speaking about the turning points in his career, Razgatlıoğlu recalled the criticisms he received when he moved to BMW in 2024 and the championship that followed. Stating that the success they achieved with BMW has a historical meaning for the brand, the national athlete said that his championship motorcycle with "El Turco" written on the back is on display at the BMW museum in Germany.

Razgatlıoğlu also clearly expressed that he is not satisfied with his first-season results in MotoGP. Stating that being in the top 10, or even the top 5, would have a completely different meaning, the national athlete emphasized his goal with the words, "I don't want to go to MotoGP and leave without achieving anything."

Announcing that a special Red Bull grandstand and event area will be set up for him for the Austrian MotoGP race in September, Razgatlıoğlu also made a call to the fans. Stating that an area where food specific to Turkish cuisine will also be available is being planned, the national athlete invited racing fans to the stands with the words, "Let's see the Turkish flags again."