Razgatlioglu to consider MotoGP move so long as ‘I become Superbike champion’

Toprak Razgatlioglu admits MotoGP is a possibility should he become WorldSBK champion; ‘after I become Superbike champion, maybe I will go to MotoGP.’

Robert Jones

20 Aug 2021

Toprak Razgatlioglu, Czech WorldSBK race2, 8 August 2021
© Gold and Goose

After appearing in the MotoGP paddock during the AustrianGP weekend, rumours of Toprak Razgatlioglu moving to MotoGP once again resurfaced.

However, the Pata Yamaha rider - who has a two-year deal to remain in WorldSBK - was there solely to support fellow Turk, Deniz Oncu in Moto3.

This didn’t stop Razgatlioglu, who is only three points off championship leader Jonathan Rea from acknowledging the possibility of a move to Grand Prix racing should he become Superbike champion; but only if he becomes Superbike champion.

"I went to the MotoGP paddock for Deniz Oncu, Moto3 rider. I have a two-year contract and after I become Superbike champion, maybe I will go to MotoGP," said Razgatlioglu.

"First, my dream is to be World Superbike champion.

"It’s also important to be with good teams and I think it’s better to be with Yamaha, because I’m a Yamaha rider.”

"This season, I am not looking at the MotoGP side because I have a job, I need this year to be champion."

Following Assen - two race weekends ago, winning the championship looked like a tough task due to a 37 point gap being opened up between Rea and Razgatlioglu.

But after the inaugural Most round which saw Razgatlioglu win two races and bring Rea’s lead back down to just 3 points, becoming WorldSBK champion this year is once again a very distinct possibility.

It’s an opportunity that Razgatlioglu himself thought was lost after the Dutch round: "After the Assen race I say the championship is finished for me. But now we have come back again.

"This year Johnny [Rea]; it’s strange, but also very surprised by the big mistakes, but we have come back again.

"Now I try and we are fighting every race for a good position. But we have many races (left).

"I’m not focused on the championship, I’m focused on every race because I need to win. This season I’m trying more for wins."

Today saw day-one of WorldSBK Navarra (round seven) get underway with both Rea and Razgatlioglu topping a free practice session.