BULEGA SAYS RAZGATLIOGLU’S RIDING STYLE IS COMPLICATING HIS MOTOGP ROOKIE SEASON

Nicolo Bulega believes Toprak Razgatlioglu’s difficult start to life in MotoGP is down to a combination of an uncompetitive Yamaha and a riding style that does not suit the class’s Michelin tyres. The reigning World Superbike champion has struggled near the back of the field in his rookie season, and Bulega says the Turkish rider’s approach to braking may be making the challenge harder.

Razgatlioglu has acknowledged that he is still riding his Pramac Yamaha “like a superbike”. Danilo Petrucci has argued that this is the opposite of what he needs to do on a MotoGP machine, and Bulega agreed during an appearance on the Mig Babol podcast.

“For me, Toprak is very strong – extremely strong,” Bulega said. He pointed out that Razgatlioglu is on what he considers the least competitive bike, noting that even Yamaha’s Fabio Quartararo, whom he called “a phenomenon”, is struggling. But Bulega also sees a mismatch between Razgatlioglu’s technique and the front Michelin tyre.

“He has a riding style that, in my view, is the opposite of what’s needed right now with the front Michelin tyre; that is, he brakes entirely on the front,” Bulega said. “He always ends up with the rear wheel completely lifted.”

The issue is particularly significant because Razgatlioglu relies on confidence in the front end. Bulega said that when the rider does not trust the front tyre, his style can leave him in difficulty. He added that an especially forceful initial braking phase can cause the steering to lock even while the bike is still travelling straight—a problem he has experienced himself.

Bulega’s comments echo those of Yamaha test rider Andrea Dovizioso, who has also criticised Razgatlioglu’s aggressive braking approach, describing it as the worst thing to do on a MotoGP prototype. The adaptation is complicated by the difference between the tyres Razgatlioglu used in WorldSBK and the Michelin rubber used in MotoGP.

Bulega has tested Pirelli’s new MotoGP tyres, which are due to arrive alongside the championship’s new technical regulations next year. He described the demands of the two tyre types as “really black and white”, suggesting Razgatlioglu’s experience with Pirelli may become an advantage when the switch takes place.

“If Yamaha takes a step forward and there are Pirelli tyres as well, I think Toprak will also be much further ahead,” Bulega said. Despite the rookie’s current struggles, he expects his former WorldSBK rival to be more competitive next season if both the bike and tyres better suit his strengths.