Toprak Finds Major Progress but Quartararo Data Exposes Key Weakness

Toprak Razgatlioglu believes the post-race Catalunya MotoGP test marked one of his most productive days since joining MotoGP. The Pramac Yamaha rider reported significant improvements in the bike's behaviour, particularly on the medium tyre. However, comparisons with Fabio Quartararo also highlighted the biggest obstacle still facing his MotoGP adaptation: qualifying performance on fresh soft tyres.

The Catalunya weekend was a challenging experience for the reigning WorldSBK champion. Razgatlioglu admitted he was surprised by the extremely low grip levels at the Barcelona circuit, conditions that differ considerably from those typically encountered in WorldSBK. As a result, Yamaha focused much of its testing programme on refining the latest V4 chassis package and improving corner-entry performance.

The work appeared to deliver tangible results. Razgatlioglu reported that the motorcycle now turns more effectively and provides greater confidence when attacking corner entry. The improvement also allows him to pick up the throttle earlier on corner exit, an increasingly important performance factor in modern MotoGP.

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"We improved a lot, especially with the medium tyre. We made a really big step on corner entry and the bike is a little bit better in turning. When the bike turns better, I can accelerate earlier," Razgatlioglu said, as quoted by Crash.net.

Consistency was one of the strongest indicators of that progress. The Turkish rider repeatedly lapped in the low 1m40s on the medium tyre while riding alone. He even suggested that slipstream assistance could have allowed him to reach the high 1m39s range.

The problem emerged when Yamaha switched to a fresh soft tyre for time-attack runs. Instead of producing a significant improvement, Razgatlioglu's lap times remained largely unchanged. Data analysis subsequently revealed that his riding style continues to revert to habits developed during his years in WorldSBK.

Telemetry comparisons with Quartararo showed that the factory Yamaha rider carries substantially more corner speed when using the soft compound. In contrast, Razgatlioglu remains heavily focused on maximising rear grip and acceleration on corner exit, an approach that works effectively in WorldSBK but is less suited to Michelin's MotoGP tyres.

"I'm checking Fabio's data and he carries more corner speed with the soft tyre. I'm trying to do the same but it is very difficult. When I put the soft tyre on, my mind immediately changes and I start riding more like a Superbike rider," Razgatlioglu explained.

According to the Turkish rider, the biggest challenge is changing instincts that have been developed over many years in WorldSBK competition. MotoGP's Michelin tyres reward riders who maintain momentum through the corner and apply the throttle progressively. Razgatlioglu, meanwhile, still tends to stand the bike up earlier and prioritise acceleration on exit.

This difference helps explain why Quartararo remains Yamaha's benchmark in qualifying. The French rider's ability to extract maximum performance over one lap consistently places him near the front of the grid, which subsequently allows him to race with the leading group. Razgatlioglu recognises that mastering this area is likely to be the next major step in his MotoGP development.

"We are very close to the other Yamahas on the medium tyre, but we still need to improve with the soft tyre because qualifying is very important. Fabio is doing an incredible job over one or two laps and that helps him stay with the front group in the race," Razgatlioglu said.

With Mugello hosting the next round of the championship, Yamaha's focus is expected to shift toward improving Razgatlioglu's time-attack performance. If he can translate his increasingly competitive race pace into stronger qualifying results, the gap to Yamaha's leading MotoGP riders could narrow significantly during the second half of the 2026 season.