Turkish star Toprak Razgatlioglu left a strong impression after his MotoGP debut for Pramac Yamaha at the Valencia circuit, showcasing remarkable adaptability following the 2025 season’s conclusion. The Toprak Razgatlioglu MotoGP debut caught the attention of Pramac team manager Gino Borsoi, who publicly expressed his surprise and admiration for the young champion’s performance.
Razgatlioglu Impresses Pramac Yamaha at Valencia Test
Following his headline-making signing with Pramac Yamaha for the 2026 season, the three-time WorldSBK champion was given his first taste of MotoGP action in Valencia. Razgatlioglu not only finished a respectable 18th, but he also managed to outperform his future teammate Jack Miller and factory Yamaha rider Alex Rins. These results demonstrated his rapid adjustment to the demanding pace and technicality of MotoGP racing. Gino Borsoi, leading the Pramac team, did not hide his astonishment and praise at Razgatlioglu’s stellar showing:
“We all know that he is incredible in the braking points, but he showed today that he is able to change his riding style in quick time. He gave us some tips and he is able to learn really fast, so I’m happy.”
– Gino Borsoi, Pramac Team Manager.
Blending Skill and Character in a New Arena
Razgatlioglu’s quick adaptation was not only evident in his on-track performance but also in his approach and demeanor, making a positive mark on the Pramac Yamaha team. Borsoi found himself pleasantly surprised by both the Turkish rider’s skills and his approachable, easygoing nature:
“He’s a really kind guy, I’m surprised because he’s easy to talk to. For me right now, it’s not difficult to have a discussion, to have an exchange of points of views, so I’m surprised about that.”
– Gino Borsoi, Pramac Team Manager. The team has been especially impressed by Razgatlioglu’s openness to learning and his constructive approach toward feedback.
Adapting to MotoGP Tyres and Techniques
The leap from WorldSBK to MotoGP demands a fundamental change in riding due to the switch from Pirelli to Michelin tyres. The team reminded Razgatlioglu about the importance of understanding the front tyre limitations and encouraged a gentler approach in braking. Yet, according to Borsoi, Razgatlioglu rapidly grasped the nuances:
“From all of us at the beginning we were aware of his style. We said several times, ‘please try not to brake so hard, please try to understand the front tyre,’ because of course the difference on the tyres is huge. But he understood from the beginning really quickly and he adapted super fast.”
– Gino Borsoi, Pramac Team Manager.
Unveiling Potential—Room for Future Growth
Although Razgatlioglu demonstrated exceptional skill, Borsoi pointed out that the full extent of his speed remains unknown, as he did not push to the limit during the test. Nonetheless, his professionalism and approach resonated strongly with his new team.
“We didn’t see his real pace, but we saw his character, his ways of working and he’s already good for our MotoGP style.”
– Gino Borsoi, Pramac Team Manager. This air of anticipation around Razgatlioglu’s potential signifies high expectations as 2026 approaches.
What Lies Ahead for Razgatlioglu and Pramac Yamaha?
With his debut complete, Toprak Razgatlioglu has established himself as a rider to watch as he transitions into MotoGP full-time with Pramac Yamaha. The combination of his technical skill, willingness to adapt, and open character has set high hopes for the team and fans alike. As Gino Borsoi and the MotoGP community reflect on his promising start, the anticipation is building to see whether Razgatlioglu will redefine the competitive landscape in the coming years. MotoGP enthusiasts around the world now await the next chapter in Razgatlioglu’s racing journey, as his impressive start in Valencia has left the paddock, including figures like Jack Miller and Alex Rins, keenly watching his progress.
