Toprak Razgatlioglu ‘really sad’ as mechanical issue ends Race 2 hopes
Toprak Razgatlioglu feels ‘50/50’ about his first WorldSBK weekend as a BMW rider, after an engine problem cost him a potential podium in Race 2.
There’s no doubt that Toprak Razgatlioglu showed huge potential in his first WorldSBK race weekend as a BMW rider, but a costly engine problem has left the Turkish star feeling unsatisfied.
After missing out on the podium in Race 1, Razgatlioglu claimed P3 in the Superpole Race.
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A similar result looked to be on the offering in Race 2 before his engine suffered a blow up on lap two.
“It’s not easy to say; I’m really sad because I didn’t expect the engine problem,” said Razgatlioglu.
“In Race 2, I said, ‘this is the first time that I’m riding the bike’ because I’m always trying to save the rear tyre.
“I started and passed Lowes and started going forwards but then the engine problem came. This is racing and for the first weekend of the season, in general, I’m not really happy, 50/50.
“I had the podium but in Race 2, I was ready to fight for the win. I was just watching it instead but in Barcelona, we need to comeback stronger.”
Razgatlioglu was one of the stars of pre-season testing, and while his performances in the races were strong, the BMW rider would have preferred to be closer than he was to victory.
A data gathering weekend for the Turkish star, Razgatlioglu is hoping to improve his pace on worn tyres going forward.
“Testing and race weekends are totally different and the grip changes,” added Razgatlioglu. “In the races, we learnt a lot as we got race data and it’s good for work.
“Phillip Island is different to the ones in Europe. It’s not possible to say if we’re learning 100% but we’ll see in Barcelona but it’s a hard track like here.
“We’ll start at Assen and other circuits but we’re not bad. Every race weekend, we’re coming step-by-step.
“I am focussed on the second round, working a lot and I am sure the team are too. I am focussed on race pace and rear tyres get worn like here.
“We need a good setup for the long-distance race but it’s not possible to say before we ride. We’ll see in Catalunya.”
