WATCH: Toprak Razgatlioglu takes first MotoGP win - in a Tuk-Tuk!
Toprak Razgatlioglu and Jack Miller win MotoGP’s chaotic Tuk-Tuk race at Buriram.
Toprak Razgatlioglu and Jack Miller won an entertaining MotoGP Tuk-Tuk race on Sunday morning at the season-opening Thai Grand Prix.
Held after morning warm-up, riders were paired with their team-mate for the 11-strong Tuk-Tuk ‘challenge’, held over one lap of the Buriram circuit, with a mid-race driver and passenger swap.
The grid was decided by MotoGP team qualifying order, meaning Aprilia started on pole with Marco Bezzecchi and Jorge Martin.
MotoGP rookie Razgatlioglu and four-time premier-class winner Miller delighted the crowd by pulling wheelies from the warm-up lap - raising a huge cheer from the grandstands.
The showboating continued - despite a request from the organisers to calm it down a bit!
The pair later got their Tuk-Tuk onto two wheels in the corners on the way to a popular victory.
Asked how his first ‘win’ in MotoGP felt, reigning WorldSBK champion Razgatlioglu replied:
“I’m very happy! Jack is also crazy, so we really enjoyed it!
“Before the start, we spoke about if we can make a wheelie. Finally, we did. That’s incredible! We really had fun.
“Jack also did two-wheels in the corner, we tried everything! I think everyone watching enjoyed it as much as we did.
“I hope for [a MotoGP win] with a bike in the future!”
Miller said: “The Tuk-Tuk did what it needed to do, I had a fantastic team-mate in Toprak - we got the win and looked good doing so!”
Told by MotoGP pit lane reporter Jack Appleyard that Pramac team director Gino Borsoi looked worried, the Australian replied:
“It all ended well. We know what we’re doing, just about! A few damaged Tuk-Tuks, but it’s all good!”
Miller was the top Yamaha rider in 15th place during Saturday’s Sprint, when Razgatlioglu crashed and rejoined on his way to 20th in his first MotoGP race.
Drop 1-place penalty in Marquez's favour
Tech3 KTM duo of Enea Bastianini and Maverick Vinales were second in Sunday’s Tuk-Tuk challenge, ahead of LCR Honda riders Johann Zarco and Diogo Moreira.
However, just as in Saturday’s Sprint, there was penalty drama after an overtake at the final corner.
This time, the Aprilia duo of Martin and Bezzecchi cut straight across the grass to pass Ducati Lenovo’s Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia.
As in the Sprint, there was a drop one place penalty given - but this time in favour of Marquez (and Bagnaia).
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