Marco Bezzecchi has picked out a key part of the 2027 MotoGP rule changes that could have a major impact next season, and it’s something Toprak Razgatlioglu knows well.
Given how his debut MotoGP season has unfolded so far, Toprak is likely looking forward to those changes more than most.
Tyres have been a particular problem for him this year, with the rear Michelins proving especially difficult.
Sitting 20th in the standings with just one point to his name, Razgatlioglu’s background in Superbikes has only made those struggles harder to swallow.
But Bezzecchi thinks the upcoming changes might actually work in his favour.
Marco Bezzecchi unsure how 2027 MotoGP tyre switch will affect riders
Bezzecchi, speaking to Will Buxton and Kevin Harvick, was asked about the most challenging aspect of the new regulations.
The current championship leader pointed out that the shift from Michelin to Pirelli tyres will force riders to make significant changes, both in their riding style and how they analyse data.
“We will have to adapt a little bit because a small change can have consequences on riding. So we will have to change, especially because we will have new tyres. This is the biggest difference in terms of riding.
“We have been used to the Michelin for so many years, and we will move to Pirelli. Both tyres are fantastic, but they are different. So we need to adapt. But a smaller engine will take a bit of time to understand very well when it comes to braking, acceleration, and how it feels under the bike.
“The riding will change a bit, but it will be the same for everyone. It’s a matter of adapting quickly and trying to find the best setting. But it’s difficult to say because it’s very early.”
Toprak Razgatlioglu has a significant edge in Pirelli experience over other riders
Few people will be hoping for Bezzecchi’s prediction to come true more than Razgatlioglu. The Turkish rider spent his entire eight-year Superbike career using Pirelli tyres, giving him an advantage over the rest of the grid.
Across that period, he won three world championships and finished second twice. That level of consistency wouldn’t have been possible without a deep understanding of how Pirellis behave under different conditions.
The transition to Pirelli will mark a significant shift for MotoGP, and having someone like Razgatlioglu – who knows those tyres inside and out – could be valuable for teams looking to get up to speed quickly.
Pirelli might downplay how much of an advantage Toprak’s background gives him, but his track record with their tyres speaks volumes ahead of the 2027 changes.
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