WorldSBK Donington: Razgatlioglu achieves ‘dream’ triple win

After winning the first race in convincing fashion on Saturday 2021 champion Toprak Razgatlioglu looked to achieve a new dream in WorldSBK - winning all three races in a single weekend.

Some green paint had stopped him before, at Magny Cours in 2021 (when he was dropped one position in the Superpole race for exceeding track limits). This time, even the combined green and red forces of Rea and Bautista could not halt his front-running prowess and he took both race wins on Sunday.

There was some work involved, though, said Razgatlioglu. “Friday we are sad because I was not really happy with my bike, but after my team’s incredible job every day, now I feel good with it - feeling like last year.

“It is possible to say now, ‘Toprak’s style has come back again.’ Now it’s very easy to try hard braking, very easy to pass the riders. Also, for me, this is a victory after the world champion. Finally three victories in Donington. I say always this is favourite track for me. Also, we are very strong.

“Just for the second race, I was a little bit waiting because Johnny followed me. I know, but I’m not killing the tyre. When I see in my board was 0.3 seconds, I pushed because normally a rider very easily follows the other rider closely. But, you see a little bit the gap, not easy to follow again.

” I know this. We are training always with Kenan. I see 0.3. I’m just pushing again. I saw 1’27 laps again. Anyway, I’m really happy. I took again the victory. This is really good because it is home race for my team, and three victories in one weekend. This is I think an incredible day.” Toprak’s next WorldSBK dream to realise? “I don’t know. I’m thinking now!”

The championship fight is now on again, with Toprak 43 points behind the best