Toprak Razgatlioglu has revealed how “different” MotoGP is to WorldSBK in his first interview since making the switch between the series.
Razgatlioglu will join the MotoGP grid in 2026 after switching from WorldSBK, where he won three titles and set numerous records in his seven-year Superbike career.
The Turkish rider started his new journey with Pramac Yamaha at the post-season MotoGP test at Valencia, and arguably stole all the attention within the paddock.
Speaking for the first time since his first official MotoGP appearance, Razgatlioglu admitted the attention in the paddock made him “nervous” ahead of the test.
“At first, everything was completely different,” Razgatlioglu told Speedweek.
“Not just the motorcycle, everything, the whole paddock. I admit, especially day one in Valencia was strange with everything going on.
“The many people and cameras made me a bit nervous on the first ride.”
Razgatlioglu also revealed what he struggled with the most in his initial adaptation to the MotoGP.
Despite concerns that Razgatlioglu may struggle braking with the Michelin tyres, he admitted he struggled the most with finding his position on the bike.
“Everything on the motorcycle itself is different from the Superbike, but the biggest difference is the riding position.
“That’s very important to me. We mainly used the first day to find my position on the bike.
“The feel for the front wheel and the brakes; there’s still room for improvement there.”
Yamaha to bring ‘modified’ new parts for Toprak Razgatlioglu ahead of MotoGP adaptation
Razgatlioglu also shared further details on what his Valencia test program entailed, though he admitted there had been limits on what was available to him.
However, Yamaha plans to put in a big effort to help El Turco adapt quickly to MotoGP machinery.
The Japanese marque will attempt to bring modified handlebars to the Sepang Shakedown Test, which should help Razgatlioglu with his riding position.
“We only had one motorcycle available and no other parts on the first day, but there will be new parts soon,” Razgatlioglu said.
“Yamaha will be bringing out modified clip-on handlebars that are a bit higher. Then there are the other things [like] the brakes, the tyres, the acceleration.
“In short, everything is different.”
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