Razgatlioglu: MotoGP ‘maybe in two years’, prefers WorldSBK paddock
Toprak Razgatlioglu has once again reaffirmed his intention not to move to MotoGP for at least the next two years after claiming a maiden WorldSBK title.
Razgatlioglu secured his first world title after finishing second to Jonathan Rea in race one at Mandalika, before taking fourth in last Sunday’s wet race two.
The Pata Yamaha rider has been a model of consistency in his second year aboard R1 machinery and managed to become the first rider to beat Rea since the Northern Irishman joined Kawasaki back in 2015.
The pair produced incredibly hard, but fair racing all season long, while it’s well worth pointing out that it’s been one of the most respectful title battles on and off track that any championship has seen of late.
Following his title clinching weekend at the all-new Mandalika circuit, Razgatlioglu alluded to Rea helping him during the beginning of his Superbike career, while also dedicating the title to his dad who passed away recently.
"For me it is not an easy season, I think the same for all riders. But we are champions. I don’t know what to say, but it’s a special moment for me," said Razgatlioglu.
"Not easy races for me, but I tried my best and in the end we came out on top. It is not easy, because there were many races, many moments, but we tried our best and it’s good to be here.
"Johnny [Rea] is a WorldSBK legend, a six-time champion and he’s good in the wet condition, the dry, every race. I think in the paddock it’s every rider's dream to beat Johnny. He helped me when I started, he is a good guy and we are friends off the track.
"I never changed my mindset and I just focused on the win every weekend. Congratulations to all riders, everyone tried their best.
"The season is over now, and it’s good to see Yamaha champions again for the first time since 2009.
"This title is for my dad, it has been an incredible day, he always said that one day we will see you as world champion, so I say again this is for him. I want more next season, I want to fight again and I will try every race to win."
During his ‘Special World Champion’s press conference’ post-race, Razgatlioglu was once again asked about moving to another paddock, that being MotoGP of course.
And while many see it as an obvious move now that the Yamaha man secured the title he had dreamt of since being a child, the Turkish rider is still sceptical about moving to Grand Prix racing, especially as he doesn’t ‘like that paddock’.
Razgatlioglu added: "I think maybe BSB [Jokes Razgatlioglu]. No, I like it in this paddock and we are also together. We will see in maybe two years (moving to MotoGP).
"But I’m really happy to stay in this paddock because the WorldSBK paddock is like a family paddock.
"I don’t like the other paddock because it's too big and also I stayed two years in the rookies cup and I saw many, many people and I’m not really like it. But, we will see and I’m just really, really happy."
