WorldSBK Estoril: Razgatlioglu ‘strong, but sometimes we need good luck’

Toprak Razgatlioglu was on strong form in Portugal, part of the podium fight in every race, but the tall Turkish rider still has no WorldSBK wins in 2022 - so far.

He was on course to win the Superpole race until a last chicane front ender, which he saved in a full Marquez style, to the amazement of all, even Marquez on Twitter… But the facts are the number 1 plate holder just missed out again in a much-desired race win.

“Race two we started good, my plan was that I followed Johnny,” Toprak said on Sunday. “I kept the rear tyre for the last laps. But I’m very surprised after ten laps I’m feeling too much spin. In the last corner, I took a big gap. In the lap, I try catching him again. Every lap like this. Last corner I’m not good exit because spinning. In the lap I’m coming, again same corner, I go back. I’m not really happy, because this final race I’m not fighting for the win. I’m just fighting for the third position. Anyway, we take good points.” Toprak agreed that his save in that Superpole race final chicane was ‘Marquez-style’. He does not exactly practice things like that, but the nature of his training regime back in Turkey does mean it happens with some degree of regularity.

“Practice, always. In Turkey, in Kenan’s track, we are always training,” said Toprak. “Sometimes we lose the front. Normally we don’t crash. Maybe sometimes we crash because it’s a slow corner, we pick up the bike. This time not easy because it’s a heavy bike. But I’m very lucky and very happy for this. No crash, second position, podium. We take good points. I’m happy for this.”

Razgatlioglu said Estoril was a better weekend for him than the previous two, even with no wins.

“We are improved at this track because I’m feeling much better and