Double long-lap penalty costs Razgatlioglu victory chance in Estoril

Toprak Razgatlioglu has moved to second in the WorldSBK championship standings after a podium clean sweep in Estoril. 

The Yamaha rider took two second place finishes and a third, however, Sunday’s race two could have been so much better. 

Razgatlioglu was running second and hassling Scott Redding for the lead before a double long-lap penalty was handed to the 24 year-old for jumping the start. 

It was an obvious jump start, but Razgatlioglu tried to stop and instead lost positions off the line. This was the first time Razgatlioglu has made this type of mistake since debuting in WorldSBK as he called it a ‘strange day’. 

"For me, it was a very strange day because it was the first time I had a jump start – I am surprised because I have never made this mistake, and also never felt so disappointed like this after the race," added the Pata Yamaha rider.  

"Maybe I could have been fighting for the win, maybe possible to win… I don’t know. But I had to take the double long lap penalty, I tried my best and got on the podium now in all three races. 

"I am also sorry for my team who worked so hard this weekend, but we take good points for the championship and we will see for the next race. 

"Misano will be the first time for me on the Yamaha, but I am feeling very strong and we had two days testing there already so we will see if we can fight again for the win."

Razgatlioglu was as low as sixth after serving the penalty but made light work of team-mate Andrea Locatelli and Alex Lowes to move into fourth place, before Redding’s crash whilst fighting for the win elevated him into the podium places.