WSB: Toprak Razgatlioglu makes BMW debut at Portimao Test

Following the expiration of his Yamaha contract at the end of November, Toprak Razgatlioglu has tested the ROKiT BMW M1000 RR for the first time in a shakedown test at Portimao.

The 2021 World Superbike Champion made the surprise decision to join the factory BMW team on a two-year deal earlier this year, ending a successful four-season stint in blue. The Turkish rider rode for a very short period on Sunday, partly due to an oil problem, before spending more time with the bike on Monday.

“On the first lap, I was just smiling,” Toprak said after Sunday’s session. “Especially on the corner exit. I know my old bike very well after 4 years but on the exit of the last corner, I felt unbelievable power and over the hill, it was still going. This bike keeps getting faster. I had to adapt the braking at the first corner because I was trying it like I had before, but I stopped a lot.

“Also, after the problem at Turn 1, there was oil on the left side of the track, so we used the middle. This wasn’t easy for me to turn into Turn 1. Anyway, every lap I was getting better, understanding the bike and the traction. The throttle connection is much better. I’m very happy and we have many parts to try.”

Monday’s test took place in mixed conditions, limiting track time once again for the 2023 runner-up.

“Today, we changed something, and the feeling is very good. I had a strange crash at Turn 5. I tried hard braking, the rear came up, went down and after it started sliding a lot. I crashed on the left side but not a big crash. After, I’m riding again to make sure I understand the bike. We did a very good lap time with these track conditions. I enjoyed it.

“I didn’t do many laps; 19 on Monday and 11 on Sunday. We are learning. This bike, after four years in blue, is completely different. I’m starting to adapt. I felt the front was much better than before and especially the engine braking is unbelievable. We used a different map.

“Finally, I feel the engine brake! Very positive. We need more laps with this bike for the setup because we have many parts, but we don’t have the time to try them. I hope for dry conditions at Jerez to try the other parts.”

Toprak named engine braking and the straight-line speed of the BMW as the main differences between the M1000 RR and the R1. The 2021 champion lost significant time down the straights during his season-long fight with two-time champion Alvaro Bautista, the latter capitalising with the outright power of the Ducati.

“This is good because it’s the first time I’m feeling power,” Razgatlioglu explained. “I’m very happy about this. I don’t know about the aero but maybe I’m feeling it on the last corner exit, going uphill. I’m feeling the bike isn’t wheelieing but maybe this is helping; I don’t really understand it. I’m just focused on entering the corner and acceleration. Maybe I need more laps to understand the wings. I think it’s helping through the exit of the last corner.

“With the Yamaha, I was always trying to have more lean because of the wheelie but with the BMW, I’m not fighting. On the corner exit, I’m feeling power and, after the hill, I’m feeling power still; the bike’s accelerating more. Under braking for Turn 1, I’m also happy now because I start to lean, I feel the engine brake a lot and now it’s a very positive test. I need more laps. I tried my best and explain the bike, explain some problems. We are immediately improving. I need more time.”

The move to BMW sees Razgatlioglu reunited with former Yamaha teammate Michael van der Mark. The duo worked together during the 2020 season, and continued to be good friends even after the Dutchman departed.

“It was nice to be with the team and to have Toprak in the garage,” Van der Mark added. “There are some new mechanics, and it was nice to spend a few days with the guys. Hopefully we have some better luck in Jerez.

“There are so many things to test, so hopefully we can finally go out with the bike. My first impression was that the whole atmosphere in the team is really good. I really enjoyed it even if I did not ride very much.”

Razgatlioglu will have another chance to ride the BMW M1000 RR at Jerez today and tomorrow. Despite limited track time, it would appear that the BMW has made a good first impression on Razgatlioglu.

“We’re not far away. I’ll just say this. We are coming!”