The Turkish superstar (ROKiT BMW Motorrad World SBK Team) has enjoyed an electric start to his BMW career, scoring three race wins and three further podiums in his maiden campaign with the Bavarian manufacturer. In a special in-depth interview, the #54 rider sat down to discuss his thoughts on the 2024 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship title race, potential title rivals and more!

THE BIG MOVE VINDICATED? “We have shown people it’s a winning bike!”

The first topic on the mind of Toprak was his incredible weekend at the Circuit de Catalunya, Barcelona. Not only was it a weekend that saw Razgatlioglu pick up his first win onboard the M 1000 RR, but it also saw him place on the podium in all three races. Toprak, reflecting, said: “It was an incredible weekend in Barcelona, because we got two wins and one podium. It was also a special Superpole race. I finally did it in Barcelona, Valentino Rossi style. I think it was my best overtake in my career!” Discussing the vindication felt following the final flag, Toprak said: “Many people said that this bike is not a winning bike. Everyone said that ‘his career is finished’. We have shown the people that this bike is a winning bike. It’s funny, because now I see the comments from people, and they’re very nice comments.”

THE BMW PROJECT: “I am focused on winning this Championship”

Temporarily switching gears, Toprak’s focus then shifted to the wider picture of the BMW WorldSBK project. Looking at the project, as well as the progress made by the Bavarians, ‘El Turco’ said: “This is a big project for BMW, and I am part of it. It looks like the potential is very high, and it looks like it’s possible to win the championship this year. I said before that maybe we could take some podiums and some wins, and this is good. But now my mentality is changing completely, and I am focused on winning this Championship – why not? It’s my first year with BMW. With this bike, maybe we are not 100% ready, but we are working step-by-step and getting stronger every race weekend.”

M 1000 RR IMPROVEMENTS: “If we can find feeling in the rear, then our lives will be a lot easier”

Toprak next spoke about the improvements required in order to take the M 1000 RR to the next level. Talking about the improvements required, Razgatlioglu said this: “I see the team working very hard, and I am working harder. I think it is very good motivation. We are just focused on rear grip, because if we can find feeling in the rear, then our life will be a lot easier, because everything will be in the feeling. The Grip is now getting better, and the feeling is now better as a result. But we are still trying to improve the grip a little bit. For me, changing direction is a little bit heavy. But this is not bad, because I am still riding the bike.”

TOPRAK TALKS TITLE CONTENDERS: “A lot of riders who are very fast”

Lastly, BMW’s star rider discussed the wider Championship picture, as well as the riders who could prove to be an obstacle to his second World Championship. Discussing this, the Turk said: “I am very happy, especially this year. We’re fighting a lot. And not just with Bautista, but with a lot of riders who are very fast. We are all fighting together, which is good. Iannone, Bulega, Bautista, these riders are all very strong. Even ‘Petrux’. Also, Alex Lowes is very strong, as well as his brother, Sam. These guys have started this year very strong. I really like this track at Misano, but we will see with the BMW. Normally, we are always strong here. Maybe I am strong with the BMW here? We will see this weekend.”

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