Toprak Razgatlioglu urges Yamaha to focus on 2027 MotoGP

Yamaha MotoGP rider Toprak Razgatlioglu has stated he would prefer the factory to focus its development efforts on the 2027 850cc bike rather than on upgrading this season's 1000cc V4 engine. The Turkish rider made the comments to Crash.net after experiencing a significant top speed deficit at the MotorLand Aragon circuit.

Razgatlioglu, like his Yamaha teammates, struggled for speed on the Aragon back straight. He finished 13th in the Sprint race. He clarified that the issue was not traction exiting the final chicane, but acceleration further down the straight. "Corner exit, we are not bad," he said. "But when we put third gear, and after third gear… I stay alone. This is very difficult."

Razgatlioglu's development priority

With his rookie season now past its midpoint and major technical changes looming for the 2027 season, Razgatlioglu believes Yamaha's resources are better spent on the future. When asked if he expected an engine upgrade before the end of this season, he was dismissive.

"I don't know. But I don’t care about this, because next year is more important for me, and I think for us," Razgatlioglu stated. He argued that any update for the current bike would arrive too late to make a meaningful difference in the championship. "It’s better if Yamaha focus more on 850, this is much better for me. Because this season is almost done."

The rider emphasized that the 2027 season represents a fresh start for all manufacturers under the new regulations. "Next year everything is a new challenge for everyone," he said. "We need to come back stronger, all Yamahas." Razgatlioglu later crashed out of the points in the grand prix, though he had been the fastest Yamaha rider in the middle stages before his pace dropped due to front tyre wear.

Learning corner speed for the future

Despite the upcoming switch to 850cc engines and Pirelli tyres in 2027, Razgatlioglu is focusing on an area he believes will remain important: corner speed. He explained he is actively learning to adapt his riding style, which is traditionally strong on the brakes.

"I am learning. Also this weekend, I learned something, because it’s the first time I'm riding with this different setup," he said. "Normally I never ride like this, but yesterday I understand, we need a turning bike."

He believes improving his mid-corner speed will be beneficial regardless of the technical changes. "If I can learn cornering speed, maybe I need it next year," Razgatlioglu noted. He acknowledged that the characteristics of the Pirelli tyres might suit his style but reiterated the core need. "Okay, of course, the Pirelli tyre is maybe more like my style. But also, I need the corner speed."

The rider concluded by stating he tries to maintain a positive outlook despite the challenges. "I'm always looking on the positive side," he said. "Sometimes it’s not easy, but I'm try to stay like this."