MotoGP newcomer Toprak Razgatlioglu has offered a bleak outlook on Yamaha’s initial pre-season test for 2026, conceding that “we will probably face difficulties during the first five races.” The three-time World Superbike Champion took part in testing at the Sepang circuit for the first time last week, starting with the shakedown and continuing through the official sessions from Tuesday onward.
Yamaha had to pause all riders on Wednesday due to engine problems, prioritizing safety until a solution was found. Testing resumed on Thursday, though with a more cautious strategy. Razgatlioglu ranked 19th overall with a best lap time of 1:58.326, while the fastest rider, Alex Marquez, clocked in at 1:56.402.
The Turkish rider’s primary challenge has been adjusting his riding style to the MotoGP bike, a task that has proven tough and somewhat demotivating. “It’s not easy to see yourself this low in the standings, especially after competing in Superbike,” Razgatlioglu shared with Motorsport.es. “I followed Alex Marquez this morning and noticed how smoothly he was riding, but I just can’t match that. I expect to struggle for the first five races.”
He also noted, “I’ve been focusing on my technique, but I need assistance with changing direction, so I plan to alter my suspension setup. I’m riding as I normally would, but the results aren’t there and it’s obvious my motivation has dipped. You can’t corner with the throttle on this bike. You have to ride it more like a Moto2 machine, which is what Jack Miller has been telling me—easy to say, but hard to do.”
While Razgatlioglu feels improvements under braking, he’s still having trouble understanding the tire wear. Much of the test saw him ride without Yamaha’s rear wing since the seat unit he was using would have pushed him over the height limit with the wing attached. By the end of Tuesday, he switched to a different seat that included the wing and reported better braking feel. He was also spotted running laps both with and without the rear wing on the final day.
Fan Take:
Toprak Razgatlioglu’s candid admission about the tough transition to MotoGP highlights just how challenging it is to switch classes—even for a multiple world champion. For racing fans, this means the early 2026 season could be a fascinating watch as Razgatlioglu adapts and fights to find his footing, potentially reshaping Yamaha’s prospects and adding fresh competitiveness to the grid.
