Toprak Razgatlioglu is back on a MotoGP bike testing a Yamaha YZR-M1 as part of a MotoGP test week at the Circuito de Jerez in Spain. A collection of test riders will be attending the event. This test comes after recent speculation that Razgatlioglu might be seeking a move to MotoGP for 2024. However, Razgatlioglu has acknowledged that the chances of this are low due to space at Yamaha. However, he did not completely rule out a move to a different manufacturer. Nothing is official on the potential move.
What we do know is Razgatlioglu currently sits in second place in the WSBK championship standings. He has finished on the podium five out of six races this season and is only overshadowed by Alvaro Bautista. Bautista arguably has had the perfect start to the 2023 season. Nonetheless, there are 10 more rounds to determine if the current standings will hold true for the remainder of the season.
Razgatlioglu stated to WSBK.com, “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.”
Photo by Luckasz Swiderek
Lin Jarvis, Creator and Head of Yamaha Motor Racing was in attendance and stated, “Toprak is an extraordinarily talented motorcycle racer, and I am very curious to see his speed on our factory MotoGP™ machine.” The question will linger as long as Yamaha have a seat with an unsigned rider. Currently Monster Energy rider and former 2021 Champion Fabio Quartararo has a contract lined up for 2024 but Marco Morbidelli does not. The pressure in the Yamaha camp for WSBK and MotoGP will continue to mount as long as these uncertainties are present.”
After running 8th fastest and logging 63 laps during the test in Jerez. The speculation surrounding a move to MotoGP continues. We will keep you updated on these developments.