‘Not so easy to adapt’ - Toprak Razgatlioglu completes Yamaha MotoGP test

WorldSBK champion Toprak Razgatlioglu has finally tested a Yamaha MotoGP bike after riding alongside former Grand Prix rider Cal Crutchlow.
Toprak Razgatlioglu, Yamaha World Superbike Assen
Toprak Razgatlioglu, Yamaha World Superbike Assen

Razgatlioglu, whoꦕ won his firs🎃t race as defending WorldSBK champion last time out at Misano, made his long-awaited MotoGP debut at MotorLand Aragon.

As part of൲ a steep learning curve Razgatlioglu experienced Michelin tyres for the first time, a seamless gearbox, greater horsepower and different electronics compared to what he’s used to with his WorldSBK-spec R1.

With the one-day test initially planned for late 2021, calendar clashe💧s between both champions🐟hips meant a revised 2022 date was needed. 

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While it’s not been the season either Razgatlioglu o🍎r🀅 Yamaha would have wanted so far - the Turkish star has just one win and trails Alvaro Bautista by 79 points - Razgatlioglu has once again been performing at the top of his game throughout the opening four rounds. 

Alth⛄ough lap times weren’t provided, Razgatlio♌glu was close to the lap times set by Crutchlow according to reports. 

"This was my first day on the Yamaha M1 MotoGP bike and it felt completely different to my✃ R1," said Razgatlioglu. "More horsepower, different electronics, seamless gearbox, all of which is completely new for me.  

"With every lap I learned more, because after WorldꦍSBK it’s not so easy to adapt to the MotoGP machine. 

"Fortunately, I had Cal Crutchlow on hand to offer advice and he was able to help me a lot. The bik𒅌e feels good, especially on the straight where it’s very fast, and it was interesting to experience the carbon brakes."

Toprak Razgatlioglu Aragon MotoGP Yamaha
Toprak Razgatlioglu Aragon MotoGP Yamaha

Rain brings an early end to first Aragon test

Despite the test getting underway in sunny conditi⛄ons, rain later in the day meant Razgatlioglu was unable to get a full day of action under his belt. 

The Pata Yamaha rider con💯tinued: “ꦡThe conditions were really hot today, so we stuck to doing five or six lap runs only after the initial run of 12 laps to get a first feeling for the bike. 

"When I watch the MotoGP bikes on television here aꦛt Aragon you can see it is a bit bumpy, and I can feel it here today. 

"It’s not so bad, but you havꦉe to keep the gas open to ride through the bumps, because if you close then it becomes more unstable. 

"Overall, a very positive test, even if it was cut short by rain this afternoon, which meant I didn’t get quite as m♐any laps in as I’d have liked. I really enjoyed riding the MotoGP bike, so many thanks to Yamaha for allowing me this opportunity."

Razgatlioglu will have to wait until 2023 for possible MotoGP switch

Andrea Dovizioso, German MotoGP race, 19 June
Andrea Dovizioso, German MotoGP race, 19 June

With Yamaha losing satellite team RNF next year - the Razlan Razali-owned team is switching to Aprilia machinery - Monster Energy Yamaha Team Principal, Lin Jarvis, confirmed last mont🐷h that there is ‘no spot’ for Razgatlioglu in 2022. 

However, Yamaha remains keen on expanding back to a four-rider setup beyond next season, which if that were to tܫake place wouไld make Razgatlioglu a name to watch.

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