Toprak Razgatlioglu, the reigning Superbike World Champion, has been confirmed to be testing the Yamaha YZR-M1 MotoGP bike at Jerez next week.
- The second test will take place three weeks before the resumption of WorldSBK in Assen.
- Jerez is a track where Razgatlioglu has traditionally been very strong.
The test will also be attended by official Yamaha MotoGP test rider, Cal Crutchlow, who will be assessing new parts from Yamaha to enhance the YZR-M1’s performance.
This will be Razgatlioglu’s second outing on the YZR-M1, after his test in mixed conditions at MotorLand Aragon last year. It is speculated that Yamaha is giving Razgatlioglu a chance to try the MotoGP bike in the fully-dry conditions that he missed out on in Aragon last year, or to prepare him for a MotoGP switch in 2024, likely in place of Franco Morbidelli.
Lin Jarvis, Managing Director Yamaha Motor Racing, stated that Razgatlioglu is an extraordinarily talented motorcycle racer, and he is curious to see his speed on the Factory MotoGP machine. Razgatlioglu will have the chance to ride alongside Cal, who will be there for the ongoing development testing of Yamaha’s 2023 YZR-M1.
Andrea Dosoli, Road Racing Manager Yamaha Motor Europe, expressed his gratitude to Yamaha for giving Razgatlioglu the opportunity to test the YZR-M1 once again. The Jerez track is a place where Razgatlioglu has traditionally been very strong, and it looks like they’re going to enjoy almost perfect testing conditions. Dosoli added that Razgatlioglu’s focus at the test will be on getting a feel for the characteristics of the YZR-M1 and the Michelin tyres.
Razgatlioglu himself said that he is looking forward to testing the YZR-M1 MotoGP bike at Jerez, a track he likes a lot. He thanked Yamaha for giving him this opportunity and stated that the test will give him the chance to understand better the demands of racing a Factory MotoGP bike.
Razgatlioglu’s Andalucian test on the Yamaha MotoGP motorcycle will take place three weeks before the resumption of the WorldSBK series in Assen at the end of April. Meanwhile, MotoGP’s next race is at the Circuit of the Americas on 14-16 April.
