Carlos Checa rates Toprak Razgatlioglu’s MotoGP start higher than Fabio Quartararo’s

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Razgatlioglu is drawing attention despite a challenging MotoGP start

Nobody expected Toprak Razgatlioglu to be a front-runner in his first MotoGP season, especially given the state of Yamaha’s bike this year. Even so, he’s managed to make people pay attention.

He came into the paddock with plenty of hype, too. After securing a third world title in World Superbikes last season, there was a lot of curiosity about how he’d adapt to Grand Prix racing.

He hasn’t exactly hit the ground running in terms of results – his best finish so far is 15th – but there have still been moments that show why so many are excited about him.

Carlos Checa weighs in on Toprak Razgatlioglu’s start to MotoGP

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Sport caught up with MotoGP pundit Carlos Checa to get his take on what’s been the biggest challenge for Toprak Razgatlioglu during his first season in the Grand Prix paddock.

While Checa pointed out how impressive the 29-year-old has looked since stepping up, he also noted that he has joined Yamaha at a difficult period for the team.

He said, “I think Toprak has arrived at the worst possible time for Yamaha, and on top of that with the Michelins, when he’s used to the Pirellis.”

“If the bike performs better next year, and with the Pirellis he knows so well, I think he’ll be a bit better overall. However, I think that now, on circuits like Jerez or other slow tracks, they can probably hold their own better.”

“In fact, if we compare his performance with Miller, Rins and Fabio Quartararo, I think he’s doing brilliantly because he’s been right up there with them. So you could say his riding standard and potential are enormous.”