Razgatlioglu’s M1 test "one of the considerations" for potential MotoGP™ switch
The reigning WorldSBK Champion will get onboard a YZR-M1 machine in a test for the Turkish rider
There will be a key milestone in the career of Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK) when he tests the Yamaha MotoGP™ machine. The reigning Champion will test the Yamaha YZR-M1 in 2022 which will be considered both a reward for his WorldSBK success and an evaluation for a potential move to MotoGP™ for the Turkish star according to Yamaha MotoGP™ boss Lin Jarvis.
Jarvis, who is Team Principal at Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™, the factory Yamaha squad in MotoGP™ spoke to Motorsport.com about Razgatlioglu’s upcoming test on the M1 machinery. The test, which Team Manager Maio Meregalli said would be in June or August, will give a chance for Razgatlioglu to be evaluated on the MotoGP™ machine, with Jarvis providing an update on the test and the reasons behind it.
Jarvis, speaking to Motorsport.com, said: "I would say it's a little bit of both, because obviously winning the championship was a great feat he did last year, first time for us [Yamaha] since 2009. So, that was an important thing, we really appreciate and respect that. So, to try the M1, we had an idea for him to try it a lot earlier than we finally will. Things didn't work out because our championship ran late, his ran late. There were many reasons why it didn't happen earlier. So, finally that first concept has transitioned and changed into a different concept now because for sure it's one of the considerations for him to switch to MotoGP™.
“What we've said to him is anyway if you're going to make the switch, do it sooner rather than later because he's going be 26 this year. So, if he's going come to MotoGP he should do it soon. So, what better than to do a serious test on the M1? So, we have a test planned for him in June and we will dedicate a team to him and we will spend an entire day testing with him. It will be the first chance to see and feel how he can perform on that bike. I also believe he can be definitely a capable rider in the MotoGP class."
Watch all the WorldSBK action unfold throughout 2022 using the WorldSBK VideoPass!
