If you're into your racing, Toprak is a name that needs no introduction. Since joining the Pata Yamaha squad in 2020 he's mesmerised millions with his hard racing, unrivalled endos and characterful acrobatics. He's the consummate showman on and off the bike, with the minerals to back up his conviction and desire to win at all costs. Arguably, his sheer tenacity is what won him the 2021 World Superbike championship, in spectacular fashion, rather than being a lucky jockey on a superfast sportsbike. He had to earn that plate from the firm and worthy grasp of six-time champ Jonathan Rea. And as for whether he'll retain it this season, it is truly anyone's guess, having made massive headway from a steady start to the season.
When I bumped into Toprak at Cadwell, he had just returned from a winning weekend at Most in the Czech Republic, where he solidified the brilliant form he'd shown at Donington the round before. Understandably he was in high spirits, and after the several more strong showings since we met, I daresay he's beginning to believe that the coveted number one plate will be staying squarely on his Crescent Yamaha-prepared YZF Rl. Of course, I wanted to know his take on the situation, but before we got into the nitty-gritty of his title hopes, we had more important things to discuss, such as how high he was going to jump over the Mountain during the day's demonstration laps with teammate Andrea Locatelli. His playful grin said it all, but his words were much more reserved.
“It's the first time riding Cadwell and
