Toprak Razgatlioglu, the rising star of MotoGP, shares insights from his Sepang test, where he closely followed Jack Miller's performance. Despite falling short of his 1m 57s lap goal, the test revealed valuable lessons for the WorldSBK champion's transition to the new V4 bike.
During the test, a technical issue halted Yamaha's second day, prompting Razgatlioglu to focus on the final day's performance. He set a best time of 1m 58.326s, just a fraction behind Miller's pace. The comparison highlighted his strengths in braking and hard braking, but also revealed challenges in long corners, where Miller excels. Razgatlioglu attributes much of his difficulty to mastering the rear Michelin tyre, which is highly sensitive and harder to manage than the Pirelli tyres he used in WorldSBK.
To adapt, he's experimenting with a higher handlebar position, a style more akin to a touring bike. This change aims to improve his cornering and grip, addressing the sensitivity of the Michelin tyre. The team's advice to ride smoothly is a starting point, but adapting to MotoGP's unique requirements is a complex process.
The test at Buriram, the final one before Razgatlioglu's MotoGP race debut, will be crucial for further experimentation and fine-tuning. With a focus on suspension setup and riding style adjustments, the young champion is determined to make the necessary strides for success in the premier class.
