Toprak Razgatlioglu was the proper name that ended Kawasaki’s six-year reign in the WSBK. The 25-year-old driver managed to dethrone Jonathan Rea for his first world title after racking up 13 race victories in 2022. However, months after celebrating his crown, the fans once again roared with the Turkish driver after posting a tweet confirming that his dream is to get on a MotoGP.
Razgatlioglu pointed to a possible date: 2023. This started a thread of jumping to conclusions that has linked the Turkish driver to the premier class factory team.
Last year, Razgatlioglu was formulating a MotoGP entry as he was due to test the YZR-M1 at the end of 2021. However, the final round of the WSBK in Indonesia in November scuttled those plans.
Speaking to Motogp.com , Massimo Meregalli confirmed that Razgatlioglu could test the MotoGP Yamaha for the first time this summer.
“Last year, at the end of the season, at the end of the Jerez test basically, we planned a test for him,” Meregalli said of Razgatlioglu testing an M1.
“But then Indonesia planned the last Superbike race so he had to fly there.”
Although this is not the first time that Razgatlioglu has come close to trying out a MotoGP bike, this could be the definitive occasion that brings the 25-year-old Turkish rider closer to fulfilling his dream.
“This year, based on Cal [Crutchlow’s] test schedule, we have to probably find a day that fits his [Razgatlioglu’s] schedule and ours.”
“It would be interesting, and besides he deserves this opportunity because what he did last year was unbelievable,” Meregalli said.
“And not only me, but I’m curious to see him on an M1”
“We already have a calendar, and there are two possibilities: one was in August and the other was maybe in June, but I’m not sure.”
“We have already exchanged this possibility. As soon as we are ready, we will decide together when the right time will be,” Meregalli concluded.
