Jack Miller believes Toprak Razgatlioglu has been unlucky with the timing of his MotoGP debut, with the Turkish rider spending his rookie season helping Yamaha develop a new bike while also adapting to life in the premier class.
Razgatlioglu finally made the long-awaited step from WorldSBK to MotoGP this season, joining Pramac Yamaha after building a reputation as one of the most aggressive and consistent riders in the production-based championship.
However, his arrival coincided with a difficult period for Yamaha. The Japanese manufacturer has not won a MotoGP race since 2022 and introduced a new V4 engine this season as part of its preparations for the major technical changes coming in 2027.
The switch from Yamaha’s previous engine concept, which had been used for more than two decades, has required significant development. That has left Razgatlioglu learning MotoGP while simultaneously working with his team to improve the new machine.
For Miller, who currently rides alongside Razgatlioglu at Pramac Yamaha, the circumstances have made an already challenging rookie season even tougher.
Source: Turkiye Today
“He’s a great guy and we get along really well,” Miller told Crash.net ahead of the British Grand Prix.
“He’s got immense talent on the motorcycle. We’ve enjoyed some fun times.
“Unfortunately, his rookie year has been developing this bike, so that makes things tough.”
Miller added that both riders would have liked to celebrate stronger results together, but admitted they have had to deal with the situation presented to them.
Razgatlioglu’s first MotoGP season has required him to adapt to more than just a new motorcycle. He has also had to learn unfamiliar circuits, different tyres and the intensity of the premier class.
The former WorldSBK champion has set a modest target of finishing races inside the top 10 this year. So far, however, he remains the only full-time Yamaha rider yet to record a top-10 finish.
Fabio Quartararo has Yamaha’s best result of the season so far with fifth at the Catalan Grand Prix, while Alex Rins finished ninth at Assen and Miller took eighth in Hungary.
With Yamaha still working to unlock the potential of its V4 project ahead of the 2027 regulation overhaul, Miller believes Razgatlioglu’s results should be viewed in the context of the difficult circumstances surrounding his debut.
