WorldSBK Catalunya Test: Razgatlioglu banishes Barcelona blues

Toprak Razgatlioglu prepared for his WorldSBK title defence by setting the fastest time at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya during two days of preseason testing.

With just a fortnight to go before the opening race of 2022, the Pata Yamaha rider took to the track for the first time on Friday with his Yamaha YZF-R1 adorned with both full livery and the #1 plate as preparations continued.

133 laps later, after a steady start and rain calling time early on the action, Razgatlioglu commanded the timesheets thanks to Saturday morning’s 1’40.571 effort, two-tenths clear of Friday’s leader Alvaro Bautista on the Aruba.it Ducati.

“Yesterday for me was not an easy day because we tried to find the set up, but the feeling was not so good,” Razgatlioglu said from the Barcelona paddock on Saturday evening, having concluded day one in fifth. “But, this morning the start was very positive because we find a good set-up and see the problem – and also very good lap time for me!

“After, we try also the new tyre from Pirelli but then the rain started. We could try the new electronics in wet condition, which was also working very good. We are also improving set-up again with electronics and I’m very happy today. It’s a good feeling and looks ready to race. We have one more test in Aragon, where we will try some new set-up and new parts.”

“Yesterday we understood a few limitations with the bike, and fortunately, we were able to figure out the direction that we needed to go for today,” Crew Chief, Phil Marron confirmed.

“We had a very unhappy rider last night and on the first few exits today, he was reasonably happy though not quite convinced with the package.

“Towards the afternoon, Toprak was quite content with the progress made with the