Razgatlioglu elated with first win of 2021, ‘I say enough’ of second place

Toprak Razgatlioglu claimed his first WorldSBK win of 2021 - sixth of his career - after coming out on top in his duel with Ducati rider Michael Rinaldi. 

Heading into race two at Misano, Razgatlioglu was on a run of six podiums from eight races this season, including four second places until taking victory at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli, which is also his first in Italy. 

It looked like a possible clean-sweep of wins was on the cards once Rinaldi took the lead from Jonathan Rea on lap three, but Razgatlioglu flipped the script of Saturday’s opening feature race and the shortened sprint event to better his former WorldSSP rival. 

The Yamaha rider made the race winning overtake with 13 laps to go as he closed in on Rinaldi through the rapid Curvone section, before making one of his stunning late braking manoeuvres into turn 14.

And from the joy expressed by Razgatlioglu post race, it was a case of nothing but a win was acceptable after continuing to finish ‘second, second, second’.

"Today I’m really happy! This weekend we are working very hard for the good bike; two races, two second, but for the last race I say, ‘I need to win, because I say enough’, added the Pata Yamaha rider. 

"Second, second, second; I need the first win and I’m really happy today because ‘okay’, I’m the rider, but also important the bike and my team did a great job this weekend."

Razgatlioglu’s two second places before taking victory in race two now means the championship deficit to Jonathan Rea is only 20 points, compared to the 35 heading into the weekend.

However, with 10 rounds still to go Razgatlioglu is not taking much notice of the standings: "I’m not looking at the points because I feel stressed and for me it’s the first time really close to Johnny [Rea]. I’m coming step-by-step but we have many races (left)".