Toprak Razgatlioglu has been confirmed to be testing the Yamaha YZR-M1 MotoGP bike at Jerez next week.
Razgatlioglu’s run out on the M1 comes as part of an already-arranged test that will also be attended by official Yamaha MotoGP test rider, Cal Crutchlow, who himself will spend the day assessing new parts from Yamaha in the hope of extracting more traction and performance from the YZR-M1.
Razgatlioglu’s Jerez test will be his second on the YZR-M1, after an outing in mixed conditions at MotorLand Aragon last year.
It is possible that Yamaha is simply giving Razgatlioglu a chance to try the MotoGP bike in the fully-dry conditions that he missed out on in Aragon last year. Alternatively, it is possible that they are preparing him for a MotoGP switch in 2024, likely in place of Franco Morbidelli, who is yet to score a podium with the factory Yamaha team since he joined it in the middle of 2021.
Lin Jarvis, Managing Director Yamaha Motor Racing, said: “Firstly, let me say it is our pleasure to be able to give Toprak another opportunity to ride the YZR-M1. I was unable to be present at his previous test but this time I will be in Jerez to follow the testing and I will depart straight from there to attend the Grand Prix of the Americas in Austin next weekend.
“Toprak is an extraordinarily talented motorcycle racer, and I am very curious to see his speed on our Factory MotoGP machine. He will have the chance to ride alongside Cal who will be there for the ongoing development testing of our 2023 YZR-M1.”
Andrea Dosoli, Road Racing Manager Yamaha Motor Europe, said: “I would like to thank both Yamaha Motor Company and Yamaha Motor Racing for giving Toprak the opportunity to test the YZR-M1 once again. As the reigning Superbike World Champion, Toprak’s test aboard the Yamaha YZR-M1 last year was highly anticipated by many in both the MotoGP and WorldSBK paddocks.
“Unfortunately, it was difficult for him to fully familiarise with the YZR-M1 at the Aragon test due to the disruption caused by the weather. This time around at Jerez, a track at which Toprak has traditionally been very strong, it looks like we’re going to enjoy almost perfect testing conditions.
“Toprak’s focus at this test will, once again, be on getting a feel for the characteristics of the YZR-M1 and the Michelin tyres, whereas we are very interested to see how quickly a WorldSBK rider of his calibre can adapt to the unique demands of riding a MotoGP bike.”
Toprak Razgatlıoğlu said: “I am looking forward to testing the YZR-M1 MotoGP bike at Jerez, a track I like a lot. The last test in Aragon was limited by the weather, but in Jerez it looks like we’ll have better conditions and more track time. It will give me the chance to understand better the demands of racing a Factory MotoGP bike. Thanks to Yamaha for giving me this opportunity.”
Razgatlioglu’s Andalucian test on the Yamaha MotoGP motorcycle will take place three weeks before the resumption of the WorldSBK series in Assen at the end of April. MotoGP’s next race is at the Circuit of the Americas on 14-16 April.
