When Toprak Razgatlioglu arrives in MotoGP, he will have to keep in mind this first World Superbike race in Portimao which he won with strong authority... A success which now gives him a 45-point lead in the championship, which brings him closer therefore the M1 Grand Prix. Why keep this memory? Because he did what was necessary to gain the upper hand over Rea, six-time winner in the category, while settling his scores with Kawasaki who has just paid the bill for his claim made at Magny Cours, and who had deprived the Yamaha Turk of a victory…
From the start of this race in Portimao, Razgatlioglu clearly showed his determination not to give up. There would be no prisoners Portugal and he went hand to hand against Jonathan Rhea who took the bait while returning the blows. Or almost. Because the Northern Irishman commented: “ there is a limit. And we ride heavy motorcycles. You can't come from miles away to start a maneuver. I don't want to smear Toprak or his driving style. He does a good job, but he doesn't drive within the limits ". And Sale warns: “ I don't complain too much because I'm ready to fight like that. And I will fight like this ».
This looks promising for this Sunday's races! “ I can shake his hand and I won't complain. But I can also release the brake and lean on him ", Explain Sale. “ He did it for me in turn 13. He was very determined to pass me. I was already at the top of the turn ».
Razgatlioglu doesn't let anything go
And what does Toprak say? “ I hope Jonathan is okay and it wasn't a big fall, I was sorry he fell. I'm not waiting for another driver to fall, but it's clear that it works in my favor for the Championship. But I'm not happy for him. I'm like this: we both fight hard, the victory is excellent for me, but tomorrow we will have to see, he will come back stronger. We will have to improve the bike in the turns ».
In this regard, he gave a demonstration after his victory by cleaning the green part of the Portuguese track with a broom. A message clearly intended to Kawasaki following the events of Magny-Cours: “ I did it to remember Magny-Cours when Kawasaki said I had taken the advantage by hitting the green. NOW, I cleaned it and then checked the grip because in the next race I might need the green there ". The Turk doesn't hold grudges, he just has a memory. THE MotoGP is warned.
WSBK Superbike Portimao J2: ranking
