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With the 2023 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship gearing up for its third round of the season in less than two weeks' time, Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) will enjoy track action of a different kind. He'll be testing a Yamaha YZR-M1 as part of a MotoGP™ test at the Circuito de Jerez - Angel Nieto in Spain, alongside Honda, KTM, Aprilia and Yamaha's official test riders.

The picturesque Andalusian circuit holds great memories for Razgatlioglu, with a double win coming in his Championship season of 2021. Currently second in the 2023 standings with a win to his name and 37-point deficit to Championship leader Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati), the 26-year-old Turk will get his second taste of MotoGP™ machinery. Last year, he jumped aboard the Yamaha YZR-M1 at MotorLand Aragon, which he described as "very positive" even if it was in mixed conditions.

Speaking about the test, Razgatlioglu stated: “I am looking forward to testing the YZR-M1 MotoGP™ bike at Jerez, a track I like a lot. The last test in Aragon was limited by the weather, but in Jerez it looks like we’ll have better conditions and more track time. It will give me the chance to understand better the demands of racing a factory MotoGP bike. Thanks to Yamaha for giving me this opportunity.”

Lin Jarvis will be present at the test, unlike in 2022, and will have eyes on Toprak, who he described as “extraordinarily talented” ahead of the test: “Firstly, let me say it is our pleasure to be able to give Toprak another opportunity to ride the YZR-M1. I was unable to be present at his previous test but this time I will be in Jerez to follow the testing and I will depart straight from there to attend the Grand Prix of the Americas in Austin next weekend. Toprak is an extraordinarily talented motorcycle racer, and I am very curious to see his speed on our factory MotoGP™ machine. He will have the chance to ride alongside Cal who will be there for the ongoing development testing of our 2023 YZR-M1.”

Andrea Dosoli, Yamaha Motor Europe’s Road Racing Manager, stated that the aim will be to get used to the “unique demands” of a MotoGP™ bike, as well as the different tyres: “I would like to thank both Yamaha Motor Company and Yamaha Motor Racing for giving Toprak the opportunity to test the YZR-M1 once again. As the reigning Superbike World Champion, Toprak’s test aboard the Yamaha YZR-M1 last year was highly anticipated by many in both the MotoGP™ and WorldSBK paddocks. 

“Unfortunately, it was difficult for him to fully familiarise with the YZR-M1 at the Aragon test due to the disruption caused by the weather. This time around at Jerez, a track at which Toprak has traditionally been very strong, it looks like we’re going to enjoy almost perfect testing conditions. Toprak’s focus at this test will, once again, be on getting a feel for the characteristics of the YZR-M1 and the Michelin tyres, whereas we are very interested to see how quickly a WorldSBK rider of his calibre can adapt to the unique demands of riding a MotoGP bike.”

All of the WorldSBK field are up for renewal in regard to their contract situation for next year, with the exception of Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK), who signed a deal last year for 2023 and 2024. In 2022, Yamaha Managing Director Lin Jarvis confirmed there was "no spot" for Razgatlioglu looking to 2023 in MotoGP™, although for 2024, only Fabio Quartararo has a deal, with Franco Morbidelli yet to sign. Morbidelli graduated to the factory team mid-way through 2021 and is currently in the final season of his contract in the team.

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