News 12 Apr 2023

YZR-M1 test complete for Razgatlioglu at Jerez

Focus was completing many laps to better understand the bike.

Image: Supplied.

Former Superbike world champion Toprak Razgatlioglu has finished a two-day test onboard a Yamaha MotoGP bike at Jerez, outlining his focus was to complete as many laps as possible rather than pushing for a fast lap time.

The two-day outing marked Razgatlioglu’s second ride onboard a YZR-M1, after his test at Motorland Aragon in June last year was cut short to inclement weather.

The Turkish rider joined official test riders from Honda, KTM, Aprilia and Yamaha including Cal Crutchlow at the Spanish circuit, and although there has been limited information released publicity about his times following day two, the test fuels widespread speculation about his potential move to MotoGP in 2024.

“I’ve had two really good days,” Razgatlioglu recalled. “My focus was on completing as many laps as possible to get a better understanding of the bike, rather than pushing for a fast lap time, but it was very enjoyable anyway!”

Razgatlioglu has indicated his desire to secure a MotoGP seat next season, and his current Superbike World Championship contract with Yamaha spans until the end of this year.

However, if the resurgent form of Franco Morbidelli continues in MotoGP, it could put Yamaha in an awkward position as to who will teammate former world champion Fabio Quartararo next year.

After securing fourth in the sprint and grand prix races at Termas de Rio Hondo, Morbidelli is ninth in the MotoGP World Championship standings, ahead of Quartararo in P10.

Meanwhile, Razgatlioglu is second in the WorldSBK title-race as the championship resumes at Assen between 21-23 April for round three.

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