Turkish Superbike sensation Toprak Razgatlioglu is set to miss the first 2025 WorldSBK test at Jerez due to injury.
The reigning champion, who has established himself as one of the most formidable competitors in the series, will be absent from the first official winter test scheduled to take place at the Circuito de Jerez-Ángel Nieto on January 22 and 23.
This unfortunate development comes as a result of an injury Toprak Razgatlioglu sustained during a training session, which has raised concerns about his readiness for the upcoming 2025 WorldSBK test.
Razgatlioglu’s injury, specifically a broken right index finger, occurred while he was riding an enduro bike—a passion of his during the off-season. Despite the seemingly minor nature of the incident, the injury has serious implications for his ability to compete at the highest level.
During a recent media event at BMW’s 2025 WorldSBK team and bike launch, Razgatlioglu revealed the cause of the injury and expressed optimism about his recovery, stating that he is hopeful to return in time for subsequent tests at Portimao.
“Now, it’s getting better,“ the 28-year old rider said. “Maybe I’ll be at Portimao. If not, for sure, Phillip Island.
“I crashed with the enduro bike. In the off-season, I’m always riding an enduro bike because I love it but I crashed; it was very small, I don’t understand why my finger is broken.
“I need time, maybe two weeks or three. I’ll try to come back at the Portimao test.”
However, team principal Shaun Muir cautioned that the timeline remains uncertain due to the critical nature of the injury affecting his primary braking hand.
“Toprak will not attend Jerez, and at the moment it’s 50/50 whether or not he will come to Portimao because of how short the time is between the two,” Muir said.
“It’s such a critical part of his right index finger which is his primary braking hand, so we don’t want to rush this, worst case is Monday in Australia, best case is limited testing in Portimao.”
The absence of Toprak Razgatlioglu at Jerez not only signifies a personal challenge for him but also poses strategic difficulties for ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team.
As one of their key riders, his participation in these early tests is crucial for fine-tuning the performance of the updated BMW M1000RR, which is pivotal in their quest to challenge dominant competitors like Ducati and Kawasaki.
READ ALSO: New BMW M 1000 RR facing rejection from Dorna and FIM ahead of 2025 WorldSBK
In Razgatlioglu’s absence, teammate Michael van der Mark will take charge during these tests, supported by test riders Sylvain Guintoli and Markus Reiterberger.
This shift in responsibility places additional pressure on van der Mark and the team to maximize their performance without their star rider.
The 2025 WorldSBK test at Jerez is a critical event that allows teams to assess their machines and strategies ahead of the season opener.
For Toprak Razgatlioglu, who dominated the previous season with 57 career wins under his belt, missing this opportunity could hinder his preparation and adaptation to the new bike setup.
The timing is particularly unfortunate as this pre-season testing phase is vital for all teams to establish a competitive edge before racing begins.
The upcoming season promises to be intensely competitive, with several teams showcasing strong lineups at Jerez. Ducati will field its star riders Álvaro Bautista and Nicolò Bulega alongside experienced competitors like Danilo Petrucci and Andrea Iannone.
Honda’s contingent includes Xavi Vierge and Iker Lecuona, while Yamaha will feature Jonathan Rea and Andrea Locatelli among others.
The presence of these established names highlights the depth of talent within WSBK and raises questions about how Toprak Razgatlioglu’s absence may impact BMW’s early-season performance.
However, looking ahead his focus will be on rehabilitation and ensuring he can return to full fitness as soon as possible.
