The leader of the Superbike championship, Toprak Razgatlıoğlu (Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK), and his very tough opponent Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team), have started a tango in the world ranking, well before Argentina which will welcome them this weekend for continue their confrontation.
The Circuito San Juan Villicum in San Juan, 4,276 km long at the foot of the Andes, will therefore see the two contenders for the title meet, each trying to maintain or gain the upper hand before the final round in Indonesia.
Will the rhythm be wild and the dance steps really mastered to the sound of the bandoneon?
There is a mathematical chance that Toprak Razgatlıoğlu can achieve an insurmountable lead to capture the FIM Superbike World Championship in San Juan (minimum 62 points at the end of the weekend, for a current lead of 24 points over Jonathan Rhea), but there is also every chance that the tango of the season will continue until the last round in Indonesia, with the two protagonists going blow for blow in each race.
While waiting to know who will lead the dance, the two protagonists have clarified their dance diary...
Toprak Razgatlıoğlu: "I like the San Juan circuit, and I've already had a few podiums there, but we'll see. As I always say, I am only focused on fighting for victory in the next race, and the championship still changes every weekend! The team works hard to give me a good bike every time, and every race, every session, we get better. We will work on Friday to find the best settings for the race with a race simulation during free practice, and then we will see. »
Jonathan Rhea : “I am very excited about Argentina’s potential. Villicum is a circuit I have enjoyed in the past. It's relatively new to the WorldSBK calendar, but I think I won four of the five races there. I like the layout of the track, it's quite weird. It seemed impossible to race overseas this year, so credit goes to the San Juan government, Dorna and everyone for making it happen. And to all the teams too, because it's really difficult to plan a long-term trip with all the restrictions, but we're going for it. I can not wait to be there. After feeling really good and strong on the bike in Portugal, it's good to go to Argentina now, and I hope to keep that confidence. Of course, it's time to think about the championship. We have to keep this in mind, work hard and try to reduce the points deficit. The objective is to leave Argentina with a smaller deficit in the championship, to fight until the last round. »
First race Saturday at 20 p.m. French time.
