Toprak Razgatlioglu hoping Jerez feeling “can translate to the MotoGP bike”
Pramac Yamaha's Toprak Razgatlioglu returns to the scene of his WorldSBK title glory at Jerez this weekend.
After three unfamiliar circuits to start his MotoGP career, Toprak Razgatlioglu now heads to a track where he’s twice been crowned World Superbike champion.
The Turkish star wrapped up his BMW WorldSBK titles at the Jerez season finale in 2024 and 2025.
Razgatlioglu has returned once since, to take part in a private Yamaha MotoGP test earlier this year, but will take on the full field in this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix.
“I really like Jerez, not only because I enjoy the layout and the feeling of riding here, but also because in the past two years I became World Champion on this track, so I have fantastic memories,” said Razgatlioglu, who scored his first MotoGP points with 15th place and top Yamaha at COTA.
“I am looking forward to racing here again, which is usually positive for me, but of course we have a new project with the Yamaha bike, so we need to confirm that the good feeling I have with the track can translate to the bike as well.
“I know the team is working hard to improve the package, so I am looking forward to giving my best, as always, and hopefully achieving a good result.”
Team-mate Jack Miller is still seeking his first V4 point with a best result of 14th in the COTA Sprint.
“I am looking forward to kicking off the European campaign,” said the Australian.
“In this break I hope the guys at Yamaha in Japan have been able to find some good solutions and further analyse the data from the first three GPs so we can continue the development of this new bike.
“I am looking forward to starting this 12-race European stretch on the right foot.”
Factory test rider Augusto Fernandez’s wild-card entry, plus Monday’s post-race test means Yamaha upgrades are sure to appear at some stage over the four-days.
The tight and twisty layout should give the Yamaha rider more of a chance this weekend, although engine progress will be harder to gauge than at other power-hungry circuits.
“Jerez is the first European race of the year and a completely different circuit compared to the three we have raced at so far, with characteristics that could potentially suit the new Yamaha V4 project better,” said team director Gino Boirsoi.
“Of course, we also need to demonstrate over the weekend that we have made the necessary steps to be competitive everywhere.
“What is positive is that with time we are understanding more clearly what our riders need and what the bike requires to perform better.”
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