Toprak Razgatlıoğlu, finished 17th in the MotoGP Sprint race, but believes he has achieved one of his most important successes in Motegi to date. Toprak expressed that he realized something significant about controlling his motorcycle with the riding technique during the Sprint, and began to better understand how to control the motorcycle with the brakes before a long race on a Sunday.
Braking Difficulties and Adaptation Process
Toprak said he struggled with braking characteristics starting from Sunday. The national athlete stated that he experienced excessive locking in the brakes and that he disrupted the motorcycle's balance while correcting some of the changes made on Saturday.
Today was difficult for me. Yesterday I felt too much locking in the brakes. We improved the first section today, but we went backward in the second section.
Toprak stated that the problem appeared when the motorcycle started leaning into a corner, and that the differing response of the engine brake made it harder to stop the motorcycle.
Yesterday, when I started leaning the motorcycle, I felt more engine brake. This morning, the engine brake was less, and I couldn't stop the motorcycle. I started qualifying this way, and I lost time everywhere.
According to Toprak, the braking issue affects not only the beginning of the corner but also the braking and acceleration sections.
You lose time everywhere as long as the motorcycle doesn't stop.
Toprak pointed out that not being able to stop the motorcycle also led to losing speed and acceleration. He stated that this was actually a loss of time everywhere.
Electronics and New Approach
During the Sprint, Toprak felt he had reached the limit of asking for too much assistance from the electronic systems. He said there must be a way to ride without making mistakes.
I started riding a little better at the end of the race. I want too much from the electronics, but electronics also have a limit. I need to find a way to ride without making mistakes. I am focusing entirely on that right now.
The most important gain from the Sprint was the braking technique. Toprak indicated that it is possible to manage the motorcycle during braking.
Today I learned something. I understand that it is possible to manage the motorcycle during braking. It is very difficult on this track. I lose the front side in all braking zones because the motorcycle doesn't stop.
As Toprak transitions to the MotoGP prototype, braking technique remains one of the most critical elements of adaptation. During this adaptation, Toprak's braking methods are being examined, given that he has competed with production motorcycles in WorldSBK for many years.
Focusing on the Long Race
Toprak is now focused on the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday, which is of paramount importance. He aims to use the experience gained in the Sprint for the long race.
The long race is most important. I hope I can ride much better because I use the motorcycle a little better every day. I just lost some ground today.
He also expressed that he was surprised by his inability to show the improvement he expected in the morning on Saturday.
Yesterday I hadn't started badly. Normally, I should have progressed more today, but I didn't. I made too many mistakes this morning.
The new feeling he gained regarding braking during the Sprint is a critical development that could yield longer-term results in adapting to the main Sunday race than in the Sprint. This is valid despite the results in Motegi not being at the level Toprak expects.
Figures
- Archive: Toprak Razgatlıoğlu: Explaining the Three World Championship Process (September 26, 2026)
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Go to sourceCompiled by Şükrü Utku Poyraz
