WorldSBK, Razgatlioglu: “MotoGP? An opportunity that is simply postponed”

Quiet, shy, polite, mysterious, respectful, fast. For a description of Toprak Razgatloglu, we turn to the man who launched him in the SBK paddock: “Toprak comes from a family of stuntmen", comments Manuel Puccetti, who won the Stock 600 title with the Turkish rider in 2015, just missed out on doing the same in Superstock 1000, and celebrated two wins and thirteen podiums with Toprak in SBK. “His dad was called Arif, but was known as Tek Tek, and set a record for the longest wheelie, over a distance of 10 kilometres. Unfortunately, he died prematurely and left his children a small motorcycle accessories shop, run mainly by Tomay, Toprak’s brother. When Arif passed away, the relationship between Toprak and Sofuoglu intensified. Kenan is like a second brother. A big brother”.

The Turkish winter is short, but intense. Particularly in Alanya, a city that overlooks the Mediterranean Sea and Razgatlioglu's current place of residence. The strong January winds mean that the number 54 rider does his training indoors.

Toprak completes floor exercises, moves worthy of a gymnast and boxing in the ring, before heading to warmer climes. “Razga” spends a lot of team near Istanbul, where Sofuoglu has set up a master camp, described by Puccetti as “similar to a tiger’s den”. “I can ride there - explains Toprak – because the climate is warmer. Kenan has set up a complete centre and there’s a karting track, where we ride and drive. Then there’s a big area when you can do all sorts of training, riding included. We are all focused on the goal, one we share with Sofuoglu: to do our best in life and in sport, while respecting people, rules and opponents. Me, the twins Can and Deniz Oncu, Bahattin Sofuoglu and other young Turks represent a whole movement that wants to be recognised at international level. Kenan follows us at home and also at the races, combining our work with his political commitments”.

Razgatlioglu - Sofuoglu: the SBK pupil and master

Sofuoglu continuously supports Razgatlioglu, in the garage and on the grid. The young Turk confirms just how important this is: "Kenan's presence is important, he gives me strength. The fact I’m here in the world championship is also thanks to him, because I couldn’t have done it on my own. Or it would have been a lot more difficult at least. Thanks to Kenan, Turkish motorcycling has developed from nothing. Everyone knows Sofuoglu and his achievements. And thanks to his success, we are here too, the younger riders. We all realise that, deep down, the races represent more than just riding round and round. Racing is like our existence. You should never give up when times get tough and never go over the top in happy times. Glory is short-lived. Winning means trying, always and regardless, entrusting in your personal means”.

You’ve already tasted success in SBK with team Puccetti.

“Great years, which we spent working and enjoying ourselves. Manuel is a wonderful person and a real professional. I can’t remember ever arguing with him, because we shared a mutual trust, already instilled with Kenan. I often go and see the team Puccetti guys, I like to stop by and joke with them. Then once the race weekend start, I’m back in my colours, Yamaha colours”.

2020 was your first year as a factory rider.

“Yes, a new role for me, very different to being a privateer rider and very interesting, because it involves various aspects. Like bike development for example. Our R1 M is really competitive but we need to give the technicians the right indications. This isn’t easy as you need test after test to understand what to do and evaluate the approved parts. Seeing as the pandemic conditioned the 2020 season, we had to get development done during the three official days. There was a lot to test, luckily, but I had to extricate myself between one session and the next”.

You did well, scoring three wins and six podiums, better than the more experienced Van Der Mark.

“I’m quite pleased with what I did, though I know I could have done more. I immediately won in Australia and finished second the next day. It was a pity about the race 2 DNF, but the Phillip Island weekend was positive. And then came the big lockdown and our enforced break. Starting again at Jerez was great but also difficult. It was like starting over. The world and the paddock were different but us Yamaha riders were strong. We then suffered a bit of a drop mid-season, when Rea and Redding started to break away, And then I hurt myself”.

The double DNF at Barcelona clearly had a bearing.

“If you want to win a title, the first thing you need to do is be consistent. Consistent and fast. So, consistently fast (he laughs). And Rea knows how to do this, always out front, always on top, always and regardless. I think that I might be able to do something similar, I just need a little more experience. And the right setting... At Estoril, a new track for modern SBK, I was able to ride as I wanted, without overdoing it with the Yamaha. Two wins and a third place, that is my potential. I want to try and do that all year in 2021”.

A new R1, eyes open in SBK and the MotoGP dream

Razga has already tested the new R1 and appears to like it: "I found it very effective. After the Jerez test in November, we had some good data for development and even greater confidence. The new Yamaha is really great to ride and it now turns as I like it to. The work done by the Iwata engineers and team Crescent was immediately obvious during our first exit. I think I’ll my able to show off my riding style at all the tracks this season”.

Your style has been criticised by some. Redding called you ‘dangerous’.

“If someone thinks I’m dangerous, they’re wrong. Anyone who says I take too many risks is off base. For me it’s normal to ride this way. I like to brake hard. I like to feel the bike in every situation. My control is total and I’m not scared of crashing or hurting myself. Other riders shouldn’t be scared either, because I’m very careful and precise. They shouldn’t think I take any excessive risks, it’s all normal”.

Can we hope for a normal 2021? Or a special one?

“The situation is quite complicated in Turkey too. We’ve had to close businesses more than once but we hope to come of this soon. I hope to see the public in the paddock again too, because without the fans something important is missing. As for the upcoming season, my aim is to try and win the SBK title. I’m here for this reason and will work hard to achieve my only goal, which is to win”.

Don’t you dream of the MotoGP?

“MotoGP is every rider’s dream, so it’s mine too of course. I could have stood in for Rossi at Valencia on that Friday when he tested positive for Covid and was waiting to return. But my sponsor, Red Bull, and that of the team, Monster, prevented me from riding the M1. Let’s say that it was an opportunity that is postponed to sometime in the future. Once I’ve won the SBK…”

Translated by Heather Watson

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