Toprak Razgatlioglu finished Austrian GP out of respect
Yamaha MotoGP rider Toprak Razgatlioglu says he considered retiring from the Austrian Grand Prix due to a severe lack of grip but finished the race out of
Toprak Razgatlioglu says he contemplated pulling out of the Austrian Grand Prix. The Yamaha rider finished 20th and last, over 46 seconds behind winner Pedro Acosta.
Razgatlioglu's frustration peaked during the race at the Red Bull Ring. He was baffled by a complete absence of grip from the new Michelin tyres from the opening laps.
A Race Finished on Principle
Razgatlioglu explained his decision to continue. "I'm also sometimes thinking about coming back to the box, but I'm just respecting Yamaha by continuing to ride," he said. He called the experience unenjoyable and labelled it the second-worst race of his life, comparing it to a similarly grip-less event in Thailand.
The Turkish rider, the reigning World Superbike champion, has found his transition to MotoGP difficult this season. The challenge of prototype bikes and Michelin tyres has been compounded by Yamaha's uncompetitive package. The new V4-powered M1 has struggled across all circuits.
Compounding Problems in Austria
The issues were magnified in Austria. Michelin introduced a stiffer rear tyre carcass to handle the high loads at Spielberg. This change appeared to exacerbate Yamaha's existing problems. Razgatlioglu qualified 22nd and last, a full two seconds off the pace.
He described the physical sensation on the bike. "If the bike has no grip, the bike doesn't accelerate," he stated. In the last six laps, I'm talking to myself, how is it possible to finish the race because on the straight, the bike just spins.
Yamaha's Wider Struggles
Razgatlioglu is not alone in his criticism. Departing factory rider Fabio Quartararo has also repeatedly criticised the team for a lack of progress this season. Yamaha is enduring its worst competitive period in the modern MotoGP era.
The manufacturer is focusing development on a new bike for the 2027 regulation changes, leaving its current machine further adrift. This long-term plan offers little solace for riders in the present.
Looking to the Future
Despite the gloom, Razgatlioglu expressed faith in his team's work ethic. He said the entire garage was saddened by the results but was working hard for improvements. They are really working hard for the next year, and also trying to improve the bike, he noted.
He emphasised the need for a strong start to the 2025 campaign to rebuild morale. We need to start strong, because we need motivation, Razgatlioglu concluded. For now, the team's struggles continue on track.
