Toprak Razgatlioglu, the new Pramac Yamaha MotoGP rider and reigning World Superbike Champion, is hailed as an extraordinary talent capable of performing exceptional feats on motorcycles. Sylvain Guintoli, who observed Razgatlioglu’s skills firsthand while working with the BMW test team, describes him as someone who can “make magic happen” on a bike.
Guintoli, a former Grand Prix rider and World Superbike champion, mentioned that next season will be a significant challenge for Razgatlioglu as MotoGP bikes demand a different riding style due to tire and ride height changes. Despite these challenges, Guintoli believes Razgatlioglu’s unique talent and adaptability make him a special rider, especially considering the 2027 switch to 850cc bikes with Pirelli tires, which suit Razgatlioglu’s riding style well. The pressing questions remain how quickly he will adjust to the current 1000cc Michelin-tired bike and how competitive Yamaha’s new V4 machine will be in his rookie year.
Guintoli expressed cautious optimism about Razgatlioglu’s rookie season but emphasized the importance of adapting to the new bike and riding techniques. He highlighted that while there are uncertainties, Razgatlioglu could surprise fans with his pace and ability to excel in MotoGP riding phases. Having already tested alongside MotoGP competitors at the Valencia test, Razgatlioglu is set to further test Yamaha’s latest V4 at the upcoming Sepang shakedown.
In addition, Guintoli is preparing to run the 2026 London Marathon in racing leathers to honor his son Luca and to raise funds for the pediatric cancer charity PASIC.
Fan Take: This development is thrilling for racing fans as Razgatlioglu’s entry into MotoGP brings fresh talent and high expectations for the future. His ability to master the transition and push Yamaha’s new machine could redefine competitive dynamics and elevate the excitement in upcoming seasons.
