Why Michele Pirro can’t help but smile at Toprak Razgatlioglu’s sluggish MotoGP start
Photo by Steve Wobser/Getty Images Pirro finds some humour in Razgatlioglu’s early MotoGP struggles. Michele Pirro couldn’t help but crack a smile when talking about Toprak Razgatlioglu’s rocky start to life in MotoGP, pointing to tyre adaptation as one of the biggest hurdles riders face when making the switch. After winning his third World Superbike title, Razgatlioglu made the jump to MotoGP in 2026.
But it hasn’t been smooth sailing for the Pramac Yamaha rider, who has yet to score a point after two rounds. His best finish so far is 17th place, which he managed in both Thailand and Brazil. He also crashed out during his debut Sprint race while running 15th and finished 18th in the Goiania Sprint.
Yamaha and Pramac never expected things to be easy for Razgatlioglu early on. The Turkish rider is still getting used to a much different bike setup than what he had in Superbikes – including more advanced aerodynamics, ride height systems, and a switch from Pirelli to Michelin tyres. Photo by Gold & Goose Photography/Getty Images Michele Pirro says Toprak Razgatlioglu’s tough start highlights how hard adapting to MotoGP can be Razgatlioglu called it “impossible” to ride the Yamaha in Brazil, struggling with front brake issues throughout the Sprint Race.
Only Pramac teammate Jack Miller finished behind him, while Fabio Quartararo took sixth, 15. 316 seconds ahead. Pirro believes Razgatlioglu will improve as he gains more experience with both the Yamaha M1 and Michelin tyres.
The Ducati test rider also said it’s a reminder of how tough adapting to new equipment can be for any rider. Pirro told Moto. it: “It makes me smile because, well, I’m a bit older now, but I think I’ve adapted in the past, having always changed tyres and bikes and having raced in MotoGP with Bridgestone, Pirelli, Michelin and Dunlop.