Alvaro Bautista's control over this WSBK season was such until this second race at Imola that even a stickler like Toprak Razgatlioglu was beginning to give in. Then the Ducati official finally showed himself to be human by falling in the first turns of Race 2. Shortly before, he had to lower his flag during the Superpole Race in the morning of this Sunday which the Yamaha official made his own. Now he is back on the insatiable Spaniard in the championship. At 70 points anyway...
But the expiration of a second consecutive crown in the specialty reserved for machines from the series who always extends his arms to him is perhaps repelled with this performance from the Turk full of authority. Because it's not because Baptist fell from the start of this Race 2 that Toprak Razgatlioglu continued until the finish.
The one who is also nicknamed “Stoprak”, because of his favorite figure of speech to amuse the gallery at the arrivals of the races, had to work to bring to heel a Axel Bassani in a state of grace on the Ducati private of the Motocorsa team. All while monitoring a Jonathan Rhea who didn't miss a beat and lay in ambush to pull the chestnuts out of the fire.
Toprak Razgatlioglu: “I think it was a very good weekend because everyone watched real races! »
But the pilot of 26 years old who had won a 100th career podium in the Race 1 with the P2, and therefore the victory in the last lap of the Tissot Superpole Race face Baptist did the job. Under a blazing sun which had encouraged the organizers to reduce hostilities by four rounds, the 2021 World Champion won a 36e victory of his career and brought to Yamaha his first complete victory at the Imola circuit. It was also his 20ème podium in 21 races, a new record for Razgatlioglu since the start of the season.
« I am very happy that this year I finally won! » commented ecstatically the protégé of Kenan Sofuoglu that holds the top spot. " I've been waiting for this moment, so thank you to my team who did an incredible job this weekend. In each session, we improved the bike but I'm also sorry for Alvaro but it's racing, and you try to do your best. This is the first time he has fallen in a race ».
« Then I made a plan and didn't want to take any risks » adds Toprak. “ I followed Axel and in the last three laps I overtook him and got into a good rhythm. I am very happy with this weekend! It's the first time that Yamaha has won at Imola and I also like this circuit. It was very hot this weekend and congratulations to everyone for braving it all. I think it was a really good weekend because everyone watched real races! The Championship is not over. I ride like before, I only focus on winning » he finishes, totally reinvigorated.
