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Turkish motorcycle racer Toprak Razgatlioglu has said Yamaha must step up the development of its MotoGP bike, arguing that even the strongest riders cannot make up for major performance differences between manufacturers.
Razgatlioglu, a three-time WorldSBK champion and the first Turkish rider to compete in MotoGP, is taking part in his debut season with Prima Pramac Yamaha. He had collected 12 championship points by the German round but said his results have been limited by the current performance of the motorcycle.
Razgatlioglu said MotoGP differs sharply from WorldSBK, where he won world titles in 2021, 2024, and 2025 and regularly fought for victories.
He compared MotoGP with Formula 1, explaining that machinery plays a decisive role and can prevent a rider from making up the difference through individual ability alone.
“If your bike is not good in MotoGP, the rider cannot create an extra difference. My hands are tied, and there is nothing I can do,” Razgatlioglu said.
He acknowledged that Yamaha is currently slower than several rival manufacturers and is still working through new development projects. Although he entered MotoGP knowing that his first season could prove difficult, he said the transition has remained challenging for a rider accustomed to winning.
Razgatlioglu added that he pushes hard during races, but neither the tires nor the motorcycle currently allow him to produce the additional performance he is looking for.
Razgatlioglu said his main target is the 2027 season, when MotoGP is set to bring in major technical changes.
The engine capacity will fall from 1,000 cc to 850 cc, while the tires and wider regulations will also change.
Razgatlioglu believes the new setup could produce a motorcycle that suits him better.
However, he stressed that progress will also depend on Yamaha moving its project forward, as rider preparation alone cannot overcome the bike's limitations.
His immediate focus remains on intensive training and supporting the development process ahead of next season. Razgatlioglu said Yamaha must make a major step forward for the team to put together a significantly stronger campaign.
Razgatlioglu also looked back on his WorldSBK career, particularly his decision to join BMW in 2024 despite widespread doubts about the manufacturer’s competitiveness.
He said many people had warned that the move could bring his career to an end, but he went on to win a championship that few had expected. The achievement turned him into an important figure for the German manufacturer.
The championship-winning motorcycle is now displayed at the BMW Museum in Germany with the words “El Turco” and a Turkish flag on its rear section.
“Marc Marquez does not even call me Toprak. He calls me ‘El Turco.’ El Turco continues,” Razgatlioglu said, describing the BMW title as one of the biggest challenges of his career.
Razgatlioglu earned his first MotoGP point in the United States, where he finished ahead of every other Yamaha rider despite competing at an unfamiliar circuit.
He described becoming the highest-finishing Yamaha rider as an important achievement because several of his rivals had spent many years racing the motorcycle in MotoGP. Nevertheless, he said individual points carry little meaning for someone who has already won world championships.
Razgatlioglu said a podium finish would be needed to make his MotoGP career feel truly significant.
“I do not want to go to MotoGP and leave without achieving anything,” he said, adding that he expects his performance and Yamaha's competitiveness to improve during the next season.
Red Bull is also planning to set up a special stand for Razgatlioglu at the Austrian MotoGP race in September.
Razgatlioglu said the project aims to bring Turkish supporters together and bring back the scenes of Turkish flags that regularly followed his WorldSBK victories.
The planned fan area will also include food associated with Turkish cuisine, while Razgatlioglu is expected to meet supporters as part of the event.
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