Pramac Yamaha’s turbulent MotoGP campaign has been blighted by inconsistency, but beneath the surface, the team boss insists there is a quiet revolution underway – and his new Turkish ace is at the center of it.
As the championship season reaches its midpoint at the famous Assen circuit, Pramac Yamaha’s Sporting Director, Gino Borsoi, highlights the team’s struggles, progress and the immense pressure faced by both management and riders in a candid assessment of their MotoGP journey so far. As the paddock buzzes with speculation and changing allegiances, Borsoy’s reflections take a raw look at the ambitions and realities of a squad desperate to climb the grid.
The Pramac Yamaha team arrived at Assen facing a season of ups and downs. Results on the track have fallen short of his pre-season ambitions, yet Borsoy remains bullish, highlighting clear improvements since the opening round. “It’s clear that we haven’t yet achieved the results we wanted,” he admitted, “but I’m really happy and optimistic.” The progress we have made since the beginning of the year is clear. Honestly, I’d say we’re right where we expected – maybe even a little ahead. This measured optimism comes as the team struggles to maintain the morale of its star riders, Jack Miller and Toprak Razgatlioglu, amid fierce competition and continued technical challenges.
The stakes have never been higher for Pramac Yamaha. The team is in a constant struggle to prove itself in the MotoGP landscape, with the slightest mistake being punished. The arrival of World Superbike Champion Toprak Razgatlioglu, renowned for his sheer speed and spectacular style, meant the beginning of a new era. Instead, his adaptation to the unique demands of MotoGP is occurring slowly, and patience is wearing thin among fans eager to see him at the finish line. Borsoy, however, urges perspective: “It’s important to set realistic targets before the season starts. Just because we have a new bike or a talent like Toprak, it’s a mistake to expect instant results. The targets must match the current level of the bike and the rider. When that happens, you can gradually raise the bar, and that keeps the excitement high. Both Jack and Toprak are extraordinary talents – we know what they can do.”
While the spotlight may shine brightly on Razgatlioglu’s learning curve, Borsoy is adamant that the Turkish star is quietly thriving. “He’s a fantastic guy – easy and enjoyable to work with. His attitude is excellent, which is rare in this paddock. Toprak and Jack are both unconventional, and I’m delighted to have them both on this team,” said Borsoy. “People want to see Toprak at the forefront, but the time is not right. He is doing a great job, he listens to the team and the results are starting to show.” Drawing comparisons to riders like Nico Terol and Alonso for his attitude, Borsoy sees a unique blend of humility and raw ability in Toprak. He said, “The thing that unites Toprak and Alonso is their talent.”
Looking to the future, Pramac Yamaha is preparing to make changes to Yamaha’s technical project. The much-discussed ‘Project 850’ is in motion, and Borsoy reports positive feedback from recent testing in Brno. A major technological shift is looming on the horizon with Pirelli preparing to become the sole tire supplier, a development that could play straight into Razgatlioglu’s hands. Borsoy explained, “Thanks to Pirellis, Toprak is feeling more like himself, closer to the riding style and world he knows. The bike is better balanced and more competitive, so we have had a strong start.”
Meanwhile, the MotoGP paddock is electric with transfer drama no bigger than Peco Bagnia’s shock switch from Ducati to Aprilia. Borsoy, no stranger to the pressures of a long-term team environment, made the blockbuster move: “After so many years in the same setup, it may be necessary to step out of your comfort zone. If this is what Peko has decided, it is the right choice.”
As MotoGP moves towards its next phase, Pramac Yamaha is at a crossroads. The team’s willingness to face difficult truths, nurture new talent and embrace emerging technological changes could be the spark they need to get back into contention. The next race will reveal whether their optimism is justified – or whether the search for answers will become more frustrating as the season progresses.
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