Jonathan Rea believes Toprak Razgatlioglu’s chances of success in MotoGP will largely depend on the mental side of the challenge.
With Yamaha running its new V4 engine publicly for the first time this season, the Japanese manufacturer faces a significant technical learning curve and currently appears to be the least competitive marque on the grid.
At the most recent Grand Prix at COTA, his first appearance in Texas since the Red Bull Rookies Cup, Razgatlioglu finished as Yamaha’s top rider.
Despite that, he has scored only one point since switching to the premier class in 2026 as a three-time WorldSBK champion.
Rea explained that Razgatlioglu has the talent to succeed in MotoGP but must manage the mental challenge of adapting to new circuits and Yamaha’s bike step by step.
“He’s an extraordinary talent. I hope he can find the right confidence because that’s crucial for him,” shared the Northern Irishman to GPone.
“He’s not used to being out of the top spots, so mental management will be important.
“I hope Yamaha finds the right path. When you’re a rookie and have to learn new circuits, with all the expectations on your shoulders, it’s very difficult.
“The important thing is to grow step by step without too much pressure. It takes time [to adapt], but the most important thing is that the rider feels comfortable and has confidence in the bike.
“If he tailors it to his needs, he can become one of the best at Yamaha.”
Toprak Razgatlioglu’s ‘real problem’ in MotoGP adaptation is understanding Michelin tyres
Prior to securing his first MotoGP point, Razgatlioglu insisted that the key factor in his adaptation was not the transition from production machinery to Yamaha’s prototype M1 V4, but the switch from Pirelli tyres to Michelin after several years of understanding the characteristics of the former in WorldSBK.
“I know I have a journey ahead of me. I’m still trying to get to know the tyres,” he admitted to GPone.
“On the bike side, things are already better: by now I understand this MotoGP bike much more, and I’m also trying to change my riding style.
“But honestly, I’m a bit tired of talking about the bike. The issue isn’t so much the bike anymore – the real problem is adapting to the tyres, not the machine.”
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