The weight of expectation crashes hard when Toprak Razgatlioglu, the three-time World Superbike king, admits he’s "always getting sad" over his lack of early MotoGP speed. His highly anticipated switch to Pramac Yamaha was meant to be a seamless transition for the Turkish sensation, but pre-season testing at Buriram has painted a starkly different picture, highlighting the brutal learning curve of premier-class racing.
Key Points:
- Toprak Razgatlioglu is struggling to adapt to MotoGP machinery and Michelin tires.
- He finished 21st in the Buriram test, over two seconds off the leading pace.
- Yamaha's new V4 M1 prototype has added to his challenges, proving slow and unreliable.
- Mentally taxed, Razgatlioglu is losing trust in the front tire, admitting he may need to crash to find the limit.
The Chasm Between WSBK and MotoGP
Pramac Yamaha's Toprak Razgatlioglu is facing a monumental challenge. Unlike WSBK's production-based machines, MotoGP prototypes are precision beasts demanding a unique riding style. The shift from Pirelli to Michelin tires introduces another layer of complexity, fundamentally altering bike feel and grip limits.
Compounding these difficulties is Yamaha's all-new V4-powered M1. Early reports from testing describe it as slow, unreliable, and exceptionally difficult to tame, even for seasoned riders. This formidable combination leaves Razgatlioglu battling both personal adaptation and machine development.
A Champion's Unsettling Search for Pace
The frustration is palpable for the 29-year-old Turk. After finishing a disappointing 21st, more than two seconds adrift of the fastest time at the Buriram test, Razgatlioglu candidly revealed his mental struggle. "I'm always thinking corner by corner, trying to do my best, but lap time is not coming, and I'm always getting sad," he confessed.
His biggest hurdle appears to be a lack of trust in the front Michelin tire, especially when leaning into corners. "I'm leaning, but I'm already waiting to lose the front tire," he explained, a stark contrast to his aggressive WSBK style. He even suggested, chillingly, that he might "need to crash to understand the limit."
Insights from the Elite: Quartararo & Miller
Recognizing the mental toll, Yamaha superstar Fabio Quartararo made a point of visiting Razgatlioglu's Pramac garage. "Don't rush," Quartararo advised, "Yamaha are improving, and also you are trying to adapt [to] the tyres... stay calm, you don't need to rush." It's a testament to the challenge when even a world champion acknowledges the difficulty.
A fascinating moment came when Razgatlioglu shadowed his Pramac teammate, Jack Miller, during a time attack. Miller, who proved to be the fastest Yamaha rider at Buriram, demonstrated an aggressive, trust-fueled leaning style that left Toprak stunned. "When I see Jack in the first corner, he's leaning a lot directly. First, I'm waiting for him to crash!" Razgatlioglu exclaimed, highlighting the gap in confidence.
Glimmers of Hope Amidst the Grind
Despite abandoning an early race simulation due to unsuitable setup and slow lap times, Razgatlioglu found some solace in longer runs on used tires. This prolonged track time allowed him to slowly build rhythm and gain a better understanding of his 2026 package.
"When I'm riding many laps, I start adapting to how the bike has to be ridden, and also try to manage the tyres," he noted. This resilience and methodical approach, even when "sad," suggests that the champion's instinct for improvement is still very much alive. The journey for Toprak Razgatlioglu in MotoGP is just beginning, and while it's a rocky start, his determination remains undeniable.
