Toprak Razgatlioglu may be in his rookie year, but his challenge to adapt MotoGP to WSBK has revealed the gulf between the two racing classes.
Razgatlioglu’s performances switched from WSBK to MotoGP.a Turkish rider struggling to make a jump.
Razgatlioglu’s crash during FP1 in Hungary It was another in a long list of mistakes for the rookie this year as he tried to adapt to MotoGP.
Rate Torak Razgatlioglu’s odds of securing a top 10 finish at the Hungarian GP!
Pramac rider finishes FP1 at Balaton Park with 10th fastest lap 👀
He did his performance in Hungarian Grand PrixEven more disappointing was his former WSBK compatriot, who finished 11th. Iker LecuonaDone with Gresini.
But Marco Melandri believes Lecuona’s performance showed the big difference between WSBK and MotoGP and how much the differences between the two classes can affect riders.
Read more: Despite the best MotoGP results, Yamaha have a clear perception problem with Torak Razgatlioglu
Marco Melandri explains why Iker Lecuona is better with Gresini than Torak Razgatlioglu.
Speaking on Box discussion podcast, Marco Melandri explains why Iker Lecuona performed better than Toprak Razgatlioglu and Nicola Bulega in 2025, despite all three being WSBK riders.
Melandri noted that the difference between using Michelin and Pirelli tires was huge and Lecuona’s MotoGP experience allowed him to grow, something neither Toprac nor Bulega had when they entered MotoGP.
“Let me explain again. The tires are very important. Lecuna has raced in MotoGP before, so he knows more or less. But Bulega doesn’t.”
“Like it or not, the real difference between the two bikes is the tires in the two racing classes. When Pirelli comes here next year, it’s going to be a lot stronger than the Bulega.”
Toprak will be very strong, especially considering he is usually the fastest Yamaha rider. Watch out, that tide will turn. The wheels are the hardest thing to learn.
Read more: Torak Razgatlioglu ‘Very Satisfied’ with Pramac’s Significant Changes to Bike at Italian GP
What can Toprak Razgatlioglu do now on a Ducati bike?
In Hungary, Iker Lecuona had an impressive performance for Gresini.
Toprak Razgatlioglu is hoping for a big benefit with the 2027 rule change
Under current regulations, MotoGP bikes use Michelin tires, something Razgatlioglu is not used to since WSBK bikes use Pirelli tires.
However, starting next year, MotoGP will switch to Pirelli tires, giving riders like Razgatlioglu and Bulega a big place next year.
Razgatlioglu supported Bulega to do well But next year, there is no reason why the Turkish rider cannot achieve the same success.
Pramak Razgatlioglu believes it will grow by 2027.Because the new rules make bicycles easier and more suitable for him.
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