The rider, Toprak Razgatlıoğlu, reminded that the first season in MotoGP reminded him of his first season in 2018 WorldSBK. He stated that it was harder for him because he had experienced three World Championships. While recounting the difficult period he went through as a national athlete, he emphasized that his current achievements created a greater difficulty for himself.
Difficult Past Periods
Toprak Razgatlıoğlu recalled the difficult process he went through when he could not achieve the results he desired in his first MotoGP season. He mentioned that the rider began to question himself during that period when he frequently finished in 9th, 10th, and 12th places when he moved to WorldSBK with Kawasaki in 2018.
That is what I experienced in 2018, in the first year I moved to Superbike. It was a really difficult season. I was always ninth, tenth, or twelfth. At that time, I started thinking to myself, 'I do not have the potential to do well, this is the best I can do.'
Possibility of Giving Up Racing
Toprak Razgatlıoğlu explained that the difficult period in the 2018 season was not just about poor results, and that he considered giving up on motorcycle racing at one point.
I even considered giving up. Then, when I got on the podium at Donington Park, everything changed, and I started believing in myself.
The New Difficulty Brought by Current Achievements
The national athlete stated that, having achieved 78 victories and three World Championships in WorldSBK, the current results in MotoGP affected him more. As a rider who has won three World Championships, he expressed that the current situation was harder for him.
It is harder for me now because I have won three World Championships and I had an unbelievable season last year. Then I come here and I am in 15th, 18th, 12th. My best result is 11th. Since I am a rider accustomed to winning, it is harder for me.
Toprak explained the difference between the 2018 results and his current situation with these words:
In 2018, when I was tenth or twelfth, it was bad for me, but it was not as hard as it is now.
The Issue of the Michelin Tires
One of the issues that attracted Toprak's attention was the difficulty he experienced using the Michelin soft rear tire. The rider stated that while the middle compound offered better pace in racing, he could not fully utilize the potential of the soft tire.
Why can I have a good pace with the middle compound in racing? Because it is easier to ride with the middle compound. With the soft tire, I am not benefiting from its potential. I need to learn this because I still do not understand the limit of this tire. That is the biggest problem.
He also pointed out the effect of the switch from Pirelli to Michelin on riding style. Toprak Razgatlıoğlu's goal for the remainder of the season in MotoGP was to finish in the top 10. There are seven races and a total of 14 races remaining in the MotoGP season; in the 2027 season, the bikes will move to 850cc engines and Pirelli will be the tire supplier again. This change means a return to the Pirelli tires, after Toprak gained years of experience in the Pirelli tires in WorldSBK. The national athlete continues to work to overcome the current problems while experiencing the difficult process he went through in his first MotoGP season.
Figures
- Archive: Toprak Razgatlıoğlu experienced zero traction in a race (20 September 2026)
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Go to sourceCompiled by Şükrü Utku Poyraz
