A CHAT THE CHAMP...

Toprak Razgatlioglu has endeared himself to fans across the world for his happy, relaxed persona, one that’s often in contrast to some of his competitors.

- RENNIE SCAYSBROOK

He has a magnetic personality that makes people warm to him, but all that would be for nothing in a professional sense if he weren’t equally good on a racing motorcycle. His move to BMW brought instant success, but the 2025 season hasn’t been smooth sailing following the late FIM ruling that he and the BMW team had to revert to the full production chassis for 2025. We sat down with him at Cremona for a brief chat to see how the 2025 season is going.

How much has the 2025 bike changed compared to your title-winning bike?

TR: A lot. Because of the new rules, we are not using the same chassis like last year. The bike has changed a lot. The chassis and also electronics are not working like last year. Last year I’m easy riding, because when I am pushing so hard, the bike is also working. But now I am pushing so hard, the bike is not working. Every corner I try to do without a mistake. I am pushing so hard - this is not easy sometimes. Also, not easy 23 laps. Ducati is very strong this year. Everyone knows. Now we have the Most race in the Czech Republic.

It’s a good track for you.

Yeah, it’s a very good track. Last year we did three wins there, but it was very easy to win for me because I’m very strong there. But we will see this year because it is completely different. I hope we win easy. Normally, also in Portimao I’m really strong.

You did well this year. You had three wins as well.