Toprak Razgatlioglu has given his new BMW M 1000 RR 'work motorcycle' a resounding thumbs up following his first shakedown test with the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK team in Portimao.

The 2021 WorldSBK Champion toasted the official start of his new BMW contract - after being released from his Yamaha deal at the end of November - by getting his first taste of the M 1000 RR he will race for the next two seasons.

Completing 11 laps after time spent dialling in the ergonomics, Razgatlioglu was in an upbeat mood when giving his first appraisal to official WorldSBK website.

“First, I say, finally! We were waiting for my contract to finish but finally, I'm riding a BMW. For me, it's very positive, I like hard braking but the engine braking was working a lot.

"Inside the team, my feeling is very warm and everyone is a very good person, so I'm happy for this. The first day is done but I think the total was only 11 laps but it was important to have a feeling. The first ride was very good and positive.

"I learnt the bike as both this and my old one are different. I'm very happy as every lap I'm improving and learning the bike's style. I need my style but in the slow corners, I feel better now."

Even finding time to pull off one of his trademark 'stoppies', the Turk is excited about the potential of the bike.

“On the first lap, I was just smiling. I had to adapt the braking at the first corner because I was trying it like I had before, but every lap I was getting better, understanding the bike and the traction. The throttle connection is much better. I'm very happy and we have many parts to try.”