Toprak Razgatlioglu will test a MotoGP bike for the first time in June as part of a private one-day test with Yamaha.
The reigning WorldSBK champion’s maiden M1 Yamaha outing was delayed due to schedule clashes between MotoGP and WorldSBK after he was scheduled for the test towards the end of 2021.
Yamaha and Razgatlioglu’s manager Kenan Sofuoglu were considering June along with two other dates, but Yamaha boss Lin Jarvis has confirmed the test will take place next month, though the specific date is unknown.
Jarvis told Motorsport.com that the test is both an opportunity to evaluate him for a 2023 MotoGP ride and a reward for Yamaha’s first WorldSBK title since 2009.
“I would say it’s a little bit of both, because obviously winning the championship was a great feat he did last year, first time for us [Yamaha] since 2009. So, that was an important thing and we really appreciate and respect that,” Jarvis said.
“So, to try the M1, we had an idea for him to try it a lot earlier than we finally will,” he admitted. “Things didn’t work out because our championship ran late, his ran late.”
“There were many reasons why it didn’t happen earlier. So, finally that first concept has transitioned and changed into a different concept now because for sure it’s one of the considerations for him to switch to MotoGP.”
If Razgatlioglu makes the transfer from WorldSBK to MotoGP, which will be greatly influenced by how well he does during the one-day test, then joining Yamaha in the Grand Prix class is all but guaranteed.
According to reports, RNF Yamaha may have at least one seat available, as Andrea Dovizioso’s return to MotoGP is not working out for the team, rumour says the Italian may retire at the end of 2022.
Sofuoglu has stated on several occasions that moving to MotoGP would only be possible in a full factory team, which means RNF Yamaha would most likely provide Razgatlioglu with identical machinery to world champion Fabio Quartararo, who is close to re-signing with the Japanese manufacturer, as well as teammate Franco Morbidelli.
While the 26-year old is still young, Jarvis has intimated that the Turkish rider needs to switch to MotoGP as soon as possible.
“What we’ve said to him is anyway if you’re going to make the switch, do it sooner rather than later because he’s going to be 26 this year,” Jarvis added.
“So, if he’s going to come to MotoGP he should do it soon.”
“What better than to do a serious test on the M1? So, we have a test planned for him in June and we will dedicate a team to him and we will spend an entire day testing with him.”
“It will be the first chance to see and feel how he can perform on that bike. I also believe he can definitely be a capable rider in the MotoGP class.”
