Razgatlioglu claims second place after race long battle with Redding

Toprak Razgatlioglu narrowly missed out on a first WorldSBK victory of 2021 after claiming second place behind Scott Redding. 

Razgatlioglu and Redding went into the race as favorites following their long-run pace in FP which certainly held true to form. 

While there was no lead change during the 21 lap race, Razgatlioglu hassled Redding throughout, with the Ducati rider only pulling out a slight gap of eight tenths in the final two laps. 

"Today was a very good start in the race. I try to follow Redding because he is really fast, and his sector three was incredible fast," said Razgatlioglu after the race.  

"I tried in the race to just close the gap and the last laps my tyre had a big drop. But I fighting for P1, but it was not enough."

Razgatlioglu is renowned for his incredible late braking which was once again on display as he held off championship leader Jonathan Rea on two occasions heading into turn one. 

Rea closed in on the leaders during the last laps and used his better rear grip coming out of turn 13 to get a run on the Yamaha rider. 

But like team-mate Alex Lowes in Aragon, the six-time world champion saw first-hand how difficult it is to pass the 24 year-old on the brakes as Razgatlioglu held on around the outside. 

Speaking about the closing stages of the race, Razgatlioglu added: "Also I see Johnny [Rea] in the last two laps and I pushing again for P2 because I need these points. I need good points for the championship and we are happy. 

"Again a podium! We will see tomorrow because I like this track a lot and I need a win. I’m always fighting to win."