Razgatlioglu: 'I like a free bike', enjoys wet conditions for 'the first time'

If his new lap record at Portimao and time-topping performance at Aragon wasn’t enough to suggest Toprak Razgatlioglu was ready to defend his WorldSBK title in style, then the most recent Catalunya test should have done the job. 

Razgatlioglu finished close to four tenths clear of Aruba.it Ducati rider Alvaro Bautista, and while rain did stop proceedings early, costing several riders a chance to improve, the Turkish rider is also beginning to look like a force in wet conditions. 

This is not entirely new as Razgatlioglu put together a brilliant wet-weather race in Catalunya last season before a mechanical issue cost him victory. 

However, aside from that race Razgatlioglu has tended to struggle in such conditions. 

But after spending a considerable amount of time on-track once the rain fell, Razgatlioglu believes clear gains have been made. 

"In the wet conditions, I’ve improved," said the potential 2023 MotoGP rider. "We used the new electronics because I need to ride in wet conditions for the new electronics. 

"It’s all new and I need to understand how it’s working. I’m very happy with the new electronics because it works well in wet conditions. We also improved some setup. It’s the first time I enjoyed the wet conditions! 

"Normally I don’t like them, I’m not really strong, but last year I started to improve and this year I think I improved again. 

"In the wet conditions, I don’t like engine braking. I like a free bike. For me, it’s very important, especially traction control. For the angle, I need a little bit more traction because I was riding like it was a WorldSSP bike. 

"Now I’m feeling that everything is good because now I’m feeling more relaxed. I open the gas and I know the electronics are working."

Given his impressive performance in all conditions, there was nothing to suggest Razgatlioglu was struggling at any point, however, the 25 year-old claimed his feeling with the bike wasn’t quite right until day-two.

Razgatlioglu added: "Yesterday for me was not an easy day because we tried to find the set up, but the feeling was not so good. 

"But, this morning the start was very positive because we find a good set-up and see the problem – and also very good lap time for me! 

"We are also improving set-up again with electronics and I’m very happy today. It’s a good feeling and looks ready to race. We have one more test in Aragon, where we will try some new set-up and new parts."