Francesco Guidotti has backed Torak Razgatlioglu to ‘manage’ his switch from Superbikes to MotoGP.
Two rookies will line the MotoGP grid at the Thai Grand Prix this coming weekend, with Diogo Moreira stepping up from Moto2 and Toprak Razgatlioglu Swapping Superbikes for MotoGP.
Razgatlioglu has generated a lot of hype ahead of his first year as a MotoGP rider. Yamaha M1 b Pramac Racing.
Predictions put Razgatlioglu anywhere among MotoGP riders and he will be fighting to finish in the top 15 throughout the 2026 season.
Toprak Razgatlioglu has a ‘special driving ability’
Razgatlioglu is heading into his first Grand Prix as a MotoGP rider, and during pre-season testing Francesco Guidotti discussed Razgatlioglu’s chances in MotoGP. Moto.it.
The former team boss at KTM and Pramac doesn’t believe the Turkish rider will struggle in his five-year rookie season. However, he expects to be able to adapt throughout the year due to his ‘special driving ability’.
“I don’t see him in the top five, especially because he’s riding a bike that’s just starting to develop and it takes time to get to that level, unless your name is Quattararo, who has a lot of experience on that bike and in that area. On Yamaha, I see Quattararo more ready to push,” Guidotti said.
Asked how he believed he would perform during the test, Razgatlioglu said: “It was a bit less than I expected, going from Superbike to MotoGP is a completely different world, even riding is completely different.”
“As I always say, he is probably the only one who can handle this journey in Superbike, because he has exceptional riding skills and has shown that he can adapt quickly from one bike to another.
“We are looking forward to the race where he will have a bit more time to learn. But at the end of the season it will be difficult to break into the top five.”
Buriram test day 1 Yamaha disappointing
The MotoGP machines are back on track for the final pre-season test ahead of the opening round of the 2026 season.
as a Ducati continues to dominate the test with Alex Marquez. And Marc Marquez continues his fight at Buriram International Circuit Yamaha.
In the year The Japanese manufacturer, which Razgatlioglu will ride on in 2026, had to withdraw from the Sepang test on the second day earlier this month.
As no Yamaha rider finished 17th on the opening day in Thailand, Jack Miller was the 17th Yamaha rider and Razgatlioglu found himself in 21st.
