The WorldSBK paddock is about to feel a significant void in 2026, as the electrifying presence of Toprak Razgatlioglu departs the series. This marks the first time since 2013 that the three-time World Champion won't be gracing the track, and one rider, in particular, is already anticipating his absence.
Bahattin Sofuoglu, who entered the World Superbike scene in 2019 in the WorldSSP300 class, five years after Razgatlioglu's debut, has grown up alongside his fellow Turkish compatriot. They've shared a bond of training and mentorship, with Sofuoglu now poised to step into the Superbike class in 2025.
While Sofuoglu will still have Can Oncu, another Turkish rider in the Supersport class and a training partner from Kenan Sofuoglu’s facility, he acknowledges the impact of Razgatlioglu's departure. "A lot! Actually, a lot," Sofuoglu admitted to WorldSBK.com during the post-race Jerez test on October 21st. "Now I’m here alone and I want to do my best, the only Turkish rider in Superbike." He added, "I hope I can be like him [Razgatlioglu] in the future, and also I’m really excited to watch his races, his tests, in MotoGP, too.”
But here's where it gets interesting: The Jerez test was a crucial opportunity for many riders to experiment with new setups and equipment. For Sofuoglu, it was his first test since the preseason, providing a chance to evaluate various aspects of his bike after his inaugural World Superbike season.
"Actually, it was better than we expected," Sofuoglu shared, reflecting on the post-race Jerez test. "We finished very well in this test." He explained the challenges posed by rain and the strategic approach they adopted, testing numerous components. They liked three out of the four parts they tested. "The first time, after one year, we tested, and there were a lot of things to try for us." They were also pleased with the electronics. "In the end we did a good lap time, and after that lap time we found another thing, too, but we didn’t have enough tyres anymore." They are looking forward to the next test.
Sofuoglu highlighted the freedom they now have to experiment, unburdened by the pressures of the season. "Now we are more free in mind, after the season also," he said. "Now we can test anything in our mind, which is a lot, and after that we see these things benefit, too. Then we were able to do better lap times compared to [the Spanish Round]."
What do you think? Will Razgatlioglu's absence be felt as strongly as Sofuoglu suggests? Do you agree that Sofuoglu has the potential to emulate Razgatlioglu's success? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
