RAZGATLIOGLU SAYS HE HAD TO LEARN HOW TO HANDLE SETBACKS IN HIS ROOKIE MOTOGP YEAR

Toprak Razgatlioglu says his first MotoGP season has been a steep learning curve—both technically and mentally—after making the jump from the Superbike World Championship, where he was used to fighting for wins and building momentum race after race.

With the Pramac Yamaha, Razgatlioglu has struggled to replicate the results he achieved in superbikes. Across his first 13 MotoGP race weekends, he has scored just 14 championship points, leaving him 21st in the standings and currently last among the four Yamaha riders. His best outing so far has been a 13th-place finish at Le Mans, and he has yet to reach the top 10.

Speaking about how he initially coped with the setbacks, Razgatlioglu admitted that early in the season he would switch off from the day’s work and retreat. “It’s not an easy year for me. At the beginning I always went straight into the motorhome and stayed there,” he said, describing how disappointing weekends hit him hard.

Over time, however, he has changed his approach. “Now I just try to focus on the good areas. Okay, the weekend might be going very badly, but I try to focus on the positive things,” Razgatlioglu explained. He also credited his Pramac team as a major factor in helping him stay resilient. “I’m very grateful to my team, because everyone helps me to stay strong. That’s very good,” he said. “I feel like I’m in a family. I’m not alone. Everyone is behind me and pushing me so I can learn.”

The Turkish rider believes the technical side of the transition is still ongoing, with the Michelin tyres continuing to pose difficulties. “In some areas I learn a lot. With the tyres I’m still trying to learn. I understood some things, but it’s still not easy for me to deal with the rear tyre,” he said.

He also described a specific braking problem linked to front-end grip. While he feels he can understand the braking limit, he says the tyre doesn’t provide the traction needed and the front wheel locks. “On the brakes I can understand the limit well. But there’s no grip and the front wheel locks. On this track it’s incredible—every corner and every lap my front tyre blocks,” Razgatlioglu said.

Beyond tyre behaviour, Razgatlioglu has identified another major adjustment: corner speed. He says it is not naturally his style, and that MotoGP demands a higher emphasis on maintaining speed through turns than he was used to. “Corner speed is not my style. If I learn it this year, maybe I’ll need it next year,” he said, adding that the switch from Michelin to Pirelli could be beneficial for his riding characteristics.

“Of course the Pirelli tyre could suit my style better. But I also need corner speed. Maybe that helps me in the next year and in the future,” Razgatlioglu said, framing the current season as preparation for what comes after.

Despite the ongoing challenges, he insists he is trying to keep a constructive mindset. “I always try to look a little on the positive side. Sometimes it’s not easy. But I try to stay that way,” he concluded.