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Aragon WorldSBK test: Razgatlioglu gains clear direction with R1

After an unexpected change of career direction inside WorldSBK, from Kawasaki to Yamaha, this past season’s most improved rider Toprak Razgatlioglu set about learning a Pata Yamaha R1 bike for the first time over two days at Motorland Aragon.

He was happy enough on the final outing, as he went 0.7 seconds or so faster than he had on the opening day, on a race tyre or something with even more grip.

“I am happy today because we tried a different set-up but I am happy because I liked it. Just some problems like yesterday, because under hard braking the bike is sliding, but we are checking now. Maybe in Jerez we will have a new set-up. But the bike feels very good," he told bikesportnews.com.

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Razgatlioglu took a Q rear tyre on board in his last laps. “I put a Q tyre on in my last exit, after I did a 1’50.6 lap time. So then I put on the Q tyre but the first corner and then Turn 3 I went outside the line and caused the rear to slide more - so it was impossible to turn. So again it was the same lap time. But, always I am not fast with a Q tyre...

"Overall I am happy because on a race tyre I did a 1’50.6 which was a good lap time for me. So it is a good start for me, as it was all new – team and bike is all new. A good start and we will see in Jerez test.”

The rear sliding seems to be simply a set-up issue with the electronics for Toprak. “The chassis I like, because it is very easy to turn, and just a problem under hard braking as it is not easy to stop. It is sliding and I’m fighting the bike.

"I tried a different set-up, maybe electronics. Now my big problem is this. Last year I had my best lap on the Kawasaki as a 1’50.9. With maybe Q tyre or maybe X tyre, I don’t know. But now on a race tyre a very good lap time is coming.

"This bike is very easy to turn I don’t feel it heavy. The Kawasaki was a little heavy. That is just the difference with this one. I have a clear idea of what to improve at Jerez. Now I feel more able to adapt the bike. Now I learn the bike character, and we will see.”

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