500cc Grand Prix winner, former World Superbike champion, and current DAZN commentator Carlos Checa criticized three-time Superbike world champion Toprak Razgatlıoğlu's decision to switch to MotoGP. According to Checa, the Turkish rider entered this class under the most unfavorable conditions possible.
Yamaha's poor form is making things difficult for Toprak.
Razgatlıoğlu is racing in MotoGP this season with Yamaha under the Pramac Racing banner; however, the factory team's performance has fallen short of expectations. The Turkish rider's best result throughout the season was only 11th place. In the first practice session of the Dutch GP, he finished 21st. Although Yamaha is working intensively on improving its current motorcycle, dramatic progress is not on the agenda in the short term.
Checa argued that it would be more sensible for Razgatlıoğlu to stay in Superbike for another year to prepare for 2027, rather than competing this season: ’From a gravel standpoint, the most logical option would be to spend 2026 in Superbike and prepare for 2027. But for that, he would need to maintain his relationship with Yamaha in Superbike; I don't know if that would really be a suitable choice for him.“
Checa: "The worst possible combination"“
The former Spanish rider emphasized that the current situation presents an almost unsolvable equation for Razgatlıoğlu: “To compete at the top, you need the right motorcycle, the right rider, and the right strategy all together. Toprak has extraordinary talent; it would be really interesting to see him on a Ducati.”
Checa also expressed his appreciation for Toprak's character traits: “He has a very strong desire to win, which appeals to me. I like fighter riders. However, I think this transition happened during the most unfavorable period in MotoGP history. Yamaha is not currently in the championship race; if Toprak had waited another year, he wouldn't have entered this equation at all. As a result, he fell right into the middle of the worst possible combination.”
Checa also stated that Razgatlıoğlu has largely lost sight of the 2026 season and should now focus on 2027: ’It’s essential for Toprak to lock onto the next season now, because this year is effectively over for him.“