Rea: ‘I don’t want to be a diva’, vows to race Razgatlioglu ‘bar-to-bar’

Six-time WorldSBK champion Jonathan Rea says ‘I don’t want to be a diva’ following last month’s clash with Toprak Razgatlioglu in Assen, but that ‘a difference of opinion’ remains in what was an avoidable incident.

Robert Jones

20 May 2022

Looking to win his third consecutive race of the 2022 Assen WorldSBK weekend, Rea attempted an overtake into turn one but found Razgatlioglu unwilling to give ground as he braked extremely late for the right-hander.

While the Pata Yamaha rider made the corner, it came with significant cost for the Turkish rider as he lost all his drive on the exit of turn one.

Naturally, Rea saw an opening and bolted towards the inside of Razgatlioglu, the problem… Razgatlioglu was still very much on the racing line which meant contact and a subsequent fall for both riders occurred.

Although much was said after the incident, both riders have kept criticism for one-another to a minimum, even though Rea believes a difference of opinion remains.

"Unfortunately, we came together; I don’t want to be a diva and start placing blame or creating animosity about it," said Rea ahead of this weekend’s round three in Estoril.

Jonathan Rea, Assen WorldSBK race2, 24 April

"It happened, but it didn’t need to happen. There could’ve been a bit more care on both sides but we’re racers, I understand that.

"I actually saw Toprak just before this interview. I have no ill feeling towards him, he’s a super good guy and I can park that."

Racing between the two will continue to be ‘bar-to-bar’ according to WorldSBK great, Rea

"But I can also put my helmet on and race him bar-to-bar at all the circuits around the world. It’s unfortunate we both went down; it was a racing accident and of course, there’s a difference of opinion," claimed Rea.

"I respect his [opinion], but it probably didn’t need to happen. Last year here, we were able to improve, and I felt good with the ZX-10RR, so I’m excited to see what we can do this weekend."

While the incident was disappointing from Rea’s point of view as he lost out on a potential win and is now 18 points down on Alvaro Bautista, for Razgatlioglu it had a much greater impact.

The reigning world champion, who remains winless so far this season, is now 45 points away from the Ducati rider after just six races.

Razgatlioglu confirms June MotoGP test; ‘important to understand whether I like the bike’

"I’m very happy we are here again after a long break," added Razgatlioglu. "Like last year, I try my best again because I love this track. For Yamaha, it’s very good. I try again fighting for the win.

Jonathan Rea, Toprak Razgatlioglu and Alvaro Bautista, Assen WorldSBK race2, 24 April — Jonathan Rea, Toprak Razgatlioglu and Alvaro Bautista, Assen WorldSBK…

"At this track, normally we are fast but this year I think we are faster. We will see because the race is always different. I forget now about Assen. This is a race crash.

"First it was my mistake, I went a little bit wide but not off the track, but Jonny normally looks at me. He has a bit more space on the track but he’s not using the space, and we crash.

"There’s been no contact. We are now focused on the race, also he’s focused. We have a Yamaha MotoGP test and for me this is very important because I understand whether I like the bike or not, because it’s completely different to the Superbike."

Rea and Razgatlioglu have combined for four out of six race wins at Estoril since the Portuguese circuit returned to the calendar in 2020, with only Scott Redding and Chaz Davies the other riders to have taken victories.