Razgatlioglu to consider MotoGP move so long as ‘I become Superbike champion’
After appearing in the MotoGP paddock during the AustrianGP weekend, rumours of Toprak Razgatlioglu moving to MotoGP once again resurfaced.
However, the Pata Yamaha rider - who has a two-year deal to remain in WorldSBK - was there solely to support fellow Turk, Deniz Oncu in Moto3.
This didn’t stop Razgatlioglu, who is only three points off championship leader Jonathan Rea from acknowledging the possibility of a move to Grand Prix racing should he become Superbike champion; but only if he becomes Superbike champion.
"I went to the MotoGP paddock for Deniz Oncu, Moto3 rider. I have a two-year contract and after I become Superbike champion, maybe I will go to MotoGP," said Razgatlioglu.
"First, my dream is to be World Superbike champion.
"It’s also important to be with good teams and I think it’s better to be with Yamaha, because I’m a Yamaha rider.”
"This season, I am not looking at the MotoGP side because I have a job, I need this year to be champion."
Following Assen - two race weekends ago, winning the championship looked like a tough task due to a 37 point gap being opened up between Rea and Razgatlioglu.
But after the inaugural Most round which saw Razgatlioglu win two races and bring Rea’s lead back down to just 3 points, becoming WorldSBK champion this year is once again a very distinct possibility.
It’s an opportunity that Razgatlioglu himself thought was lost after the Dutch round: "After the Assen race I say the championship is finished for me. But now we have come back again.
"This year Johnny [Rea]; it’s strange, but also very surprised by the big mistakes, but we have come back again.
"Now I try and we are fighting every race for a good position. But we have many races (left).
"I’m not focused on the championship, I’m focused on every race because I need to win. This season I’m trying more for wins."
Today saw day-one of WorldSBK Navarra (round seven) get underway with both Rea and Razgatlioglu topping a free practice session.