2021 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Champion Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) has spoken about his two-day test aboard MotoGP™ machinery at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto in Spain. The reigning WorldSBK runner-up, who has one win to his name in 2023 already, was given the opportunity to jump aboard the Yamaha YZR M1 as part of a two-day private test in Andalusia, alongside Yamaha test rider Cal Crutchlow, as well as other test riders such as KTM’s Dani Pedrosa, Ducati’s Michele Pirro, Honda’s Stefan Bradl and Aprilia’s Lorenzo Savadori.
Although times were private and unofficial, it was reported that Razgatlioglu was less than two seconds adrift of Pedrosa’s top time, with 1.7s being the difference according to Motorsport.com’s Spanish edition. It was also reported that he was under eight tenths adrift of Crutchlow and completed 63 laps. The test was held in almost perfect weather conditions, in stark contrast to a rain-hit MotoGP™ test debut in May last year, which was at MotorLand Aragon. Another difference in comparison to the test last year was the presence of Yamaha Managing Director Lin Jarvis, who hailed Razgatlioglu as “extraordinary talented” in the run up to the test.
Speaking about the experience of the MotoGP™ bike and getting a clearer run of things, Razgatlioglu enjoyed a “very positive” test: “I’ve had two really good days. My focus was on completing as many laps as possible to get a better understanding of the bike, rather than pushing for a fast lap time, but it was very enjoyable anyway!”
Toprak has completed his test of the YZR-M1 at Jerez:
“I’ve had two really good days. My focus was on completing as many laps as possible to get a better understanding of the bike, rather than pushing for a fast lap time, but it was very enjoyable anyway!”#YamahaRacing pic.twitter.com/tbG1updT1d
— Yamaha Racing (@yamaharacingcom) April 11, 2023
All of the WorldSBK grid are up for contract renewal for 2024, with the exception of Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK), who signed a deal last year for 2023 and next year. In 2022, Yamaha Managing Director Lin Jarvis confirmed there was “no spot” for Razgatlioglu looking to 2023 in MotoGP™, although for 2024, only Fabio Quartararo has signed, with Franco Morbidelli yet to confirm his future. Morbidelli graduated to the factory team half-way through 2021 and is currently in the final season of his contract in the team.
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Source: WorldSBK.com