MotoGP, Sportrik Media - MotoGP rookie Toprak Razgatlioglu made progress during the 2026 Thai Grand Prix after recognising that the Yamaha M1 cannot be ridden in the same way as a Superbike.
According to Paolo Pavesio, Managing Director of Yamaha Racing, the reigning WorldSBK champion spent much of winter testing attempting to replicate the set-up philosophy that brought him success in production-based racing.
While the Turkish rider maintained his trademark strength under heavy braking, he struggled to generate corner speed and traction on the MotoGP prototype. The Superbike-style configuration also created technical complications, including the need to remove the rear aerodynamic package to remain within height regulations.
During the race weekend at Buriram, Yamaha returned the rear aero package as Razgatlioglu began adapting to the specific characteristics of the MotoGP machine.
“I think Toprak did a very good job. During the winter he tried, if I can say it like this, to turn the MotoGP into a Superbike so he could feel comfortable,” said Paolo Pavesio.
“Then he understood that a MotoGP is a MotoGP, and there are things he should not compromise.”
Razgatlioglu finished his first premier-class race in 17th place at Buriram. Although outside the points, his pace during the middle stages of the race was close to fellow Yamaha riders Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins, while also finishing ahead of his team-mate at Pramac Racing, Jack Miller.
Pavesio explained that Yamaha deliberately allowed Razgatlioglu the freedom to explore his preferred direction during testing, recognising the unique transition he faces after years of success in the Superbike category.
“After so many years being successful in SBK, he was looking for a way to make the MotoGP closer to a Superbike. We supported him because we believed it was important for him to have that opportunity,” he explained.
Three-time MotoGP world champion Jorge Lorenzo also observed during pre-season testing that Razgatlioglu’s Superbike-style riding approach was not ideally suited to a MotoGP prototype.
“A prototype bike is super stiff and needs to carry a lot of corner speed. He is trying to ride like a Superbike rider – braking very hard and making a ‘V’ line,” said Lorenzo.
Following the Thai Grand Prix, Razgatlioglu gained additional track time by participating in a private Yamaha test at Jerez, taking advantage of the manufacturer’s concession status. The extra mileage is expected to help accelerate his adaptation before the second round of the 2026 MotoGP season in Goiania, Brazil.
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