Toprak Razgatlioglu has admitted he is stepping away from trying to adapt his riding style to mimic his success in World Superbike, following a challenging start to life in MotoGP.
The Turkish rider, who built his reputation with an aggressive, hard-braking style in Superbikes, revealed that his early approach in MotoGP was to ride the prototype machine in a similar way. However, that strategy has proven ineffective, forcing a rethink as he continues to adapt to the premier class.
Razgatlioglu acknowledged that MotoGP bikes demand a fundamentally different technique, particularly due to factors such as tyre behaviour and braking systems. The transition has not been straightforward, with the rider struggling to find consistent performance during testing and race weekends.
Source: Motorsport.com
Former MotoGP world champion Jorge Lorenzo highlighted the difficulty of the switch, noting that Razgatlioglu has spent his entire career on production-based Superbikes, which differ significantly from MotoGP prototypes in terms of handling and riding demands.
After initially attempting to “turn the MotoGP into a Superbike,” Razgatlioglu has now accepted that compromises are necessary. He is focusing instead on learning the unique characteristics of the bike rather than forcing it to suit his привычный style.
The learning curve has been steep. Early outings have exposed issues with pace, tyre management, and braking confidence, all areas where MotoGP machinery behaves very differently. Despite flashes of potential, results have yet to match his achievements in the Superbike category.
Still, there is recognition within the paddock that adaptation takes time. Razgatlioglu’s move represents one of the most high-profile transitions in recent years, and expectations remain that he will gradually close the gap as he gains experience.
Rather than persisting with a familiar approach, the former Superbike champion is now embracing a more patient mindset. His focus has shifted to understanding the bike step by step, a change that could prove crucial as he continues his development in MotoGP.
