The World Championship World SBK Superbike 2024 has moved from the UK to the Czech Republic for the sixth round of the 2024 season and this is shaping up to be a third consecutive weekend where Toprak Razgatlioglu will try to impose dominance in all three races.
Before the action got underway at Autodrom Most, the drivers on the grid spoke about numerous topics, from the first half of the 2024 season to the future, and title aspirations…
1 / Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team): “My goal is always to win the race, but this weekend I will try to achieve three victories. Every weekend we do one race after another, but now we are getting strong. We are aiming for the championship. It wasn't in my plans this year, just a few podiums. But we immediately started winning races, so I changed my mind and now the title is possible with BMW. I continue to advance race by race, because I need more victories. I'm at seven wins in a row, I need three more here and two more at Portimao to reach 12 wins. If we don't win the championship, I won't be happy, because everyone works hard and we win races. We are strong now and we have to be world champions this year, but it's racing, and sometimes you have problems. »
2 / Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati): “I am very happy to arrive at this stage of the championship in second position. It's a surprise for me. I am proud of what my team and I do. Most of the races will be difficult, another challenge, but I will try to improve in each session and get on the podium again. I'm proud because last year, when I signed the contract, I didn't think I would be here, second in the championship, a year later. I am very happy and I want to enjoy it. Toprak is at the best time of his career, and his bike has improved a lot. I think he's the only one who uses the BMW 100%. They are very strong now, but so are we. I think we can do a good job. It won't be easy because it's the first time I've used this bike on this circuit. We have different tires, a little harder. I think if you have a good feeling, the tires don't matter. I like Most, it's technical. »
3 / Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati): “I have good memories of last year because I was able to win my 50th race in the category. This year it's different. The sensations with the bike are not the same as last year and we are having more difficulty. Our approach is to find something that allows us to ride the way I want. We are not in a position to think of any outcome. It's always nice to get to this stage (100 podiums). When I retire, I will see what I have accomplished or not accomplished. It is more important to find the right sensations than to get a podium. It is important to get a good feeling back with the bike, after which we can perhaps think about the championship. Now it's stupid to think about that. After Donington it was difficult because the feeling was very different with the bike and didn't match what I wanted. At the same time, I'm looking forward to solving this problem and continuing to work to try to get back the good feelings I've had in the past. I want to focus on this weekend, get that feeling back and then I will make a decision. »
4 / Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK): “The objective is to fight at the front. We will work hard on Friday, as we did at Donington, and then we will understand our position. It's not easy to be at the front every weekend in WorldSBK. This is one of my best seasons so far. In 2019, I was fast and consistent, but this year the championship is a little denser. There are a lot of fast drivers and teams. I would say I'm in my best moment. The perfect blend of my experience, but also my speed, is the best it has ever been. Every weekend I want to try and do my best, get on the podium, win a few races again at a circuit that's not Phillip Island, that would be fantastic. »
6 / Andrea Iannone (Team GoEleven): “I'm happy to be here because it's a new circuit for me and it's always interesting. We came from Donington, where I had problems with my arms, especially in race 2. I was at home these days to recover and I am positive, but we will see after the first practice session. My expectations are always high, that’s my mentality. But it's clear and normal, this year is my first time after a long time, and I do my best in every race, in every training, in all conditions. We achieved very good results. At Donington we had good speed, but Superpole was a disaster. The first free practice session tomorrow will be important for us to try to get some sensations. I hope we will have the best feeling immediately and that we will not be too far away. But we must not forget that this is the first time I have come here. I'm just waiting. I waited for many years at home, now it's easier to wait here. I enjoy. Everything is open, I haven't signed with anyone. I have my priority, my preference, but we will see. »
7 / Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team): “I would like to at least be considered.” I feel really good with the Barni team, I'm doing really well, and the bike is going fast. I have a lot of support from my team and there is a good atmosphere. Let's see what Alvaro decides for his future and then we will make a proposal. I can perform well, but the decision is in Alvaro's hands, and I hope he makes the right decision for him. We have always been in contact with Ducati since my childhood! We have a very good relationship with them, they talk constantly. It could be a dream to ride this motorcycle; Being in a factory garage in MotoGP™ and WorldSBK is not something I expected in my life. »
11 / Jonathan Rea (Pata Prometeon Yamaha): “It’s good to come after our best weekend of the season at Donington. I was able to get on the podium and fight at the front. It is difficult to understand whether we have really taken a big step forward or whether it is the Donington effect. It will be good to see if we can continue this momentum here at Most. All the ingredients are there to have a good weekend. It's a good time, because we now have several races back to back. It's important to try to build that momentum, like a snowball, to try to build trust. I don't feel like we're at our full performance yet, so it's quite motivating to know that we still have a way to go with myself and the bike. Racing is built on confidence, so the sooner we get there, the better. »
