“What I don’t like about MotoGP is that everyone rides like a star” – Toprak

Toprak Razgatlioglu, the prominent Superbike (SBK) rider from Yamaha, recently sat down for an interview with the French media, Sport. Here are the key takeaways from the conversation:

• Performance in the Championship: Toprak expressed that he doesn’t obsess over winning or losing the title. Instead, his primary focus is on winning races. He mentioned, “The only thing on my mind right now is winning races.”
• Comparison with MotoGP: Razgatlioglu had the chance to test the MotoGP M1 on various circuits. Despite speculations about him joining Yamaha’s MotoGP team, he decided against it. He shared, “To be honest, I didn’t have a good feeling with the M1. I couldn’t showcase my potential.” He further added that while MotoGP feels like everyone is acting like a star, Superbikes feels like home, a more familiar environment.
• On Pressure: Despite the stakes, Toprak remains a calm and composed rider. He admitted, “Honestly, I don’t even understand it myself. This year, there’s no stress. I approach every season with great calmness.”
• Weight Control in SBK: There’s been recent chatter about establishing a minimum combined weight for the rider and the bike in SBK to ensure no brand or rider has an undue advantage. Toprak believes setting such limits would be a good idea.
• Braking Skills: Toprak is renowned for his braking skills, which significantly aids in tire conservation. He said, “I try to adapt, but I aim to brake as late and hard as possible. It’s simply my style.”
• Future in MotoGP: While Toprak has had opportunities to test MotoGP bikes and there were rumors about him moving to MotoGP, he feels more at home in Superbikes. The familial atmosphere in Superbikes contrasts with the star-studded aura of MotoGP, making him more inclined towards the former.

In the world of motorsports, decisions about switching leagues or teams are never easy. They require a mix of personal comfort, potential for success, and alignment with one’s skills and style. Toprak’s insights provide a glimpse into the mind of a racer, where passion for the sport intertwines with strategic career choices.