Razgatlioglu storms to victory after ‘one chance’ race in Donington

Toprak Razgatlioglu looked on course for a difficult WorldSBK race one in Donington Park before a dry line saved the day. 

The Yamaha rider struggled throughout FP3 and qualifying in the wet, but with track conditions improving just before the race began, Razgatlioglu took full advantage of a dry racing line to claim a sensational win from the fifth row. 

Razgatlioglu started 13th but was up to second after just one lap. That quickly became first as he went through on main championship rival Jonathan Rea. 

This wasn’t the first time that Razgatlioglu came from outside the top ten to take victory - Magny Cours, France, in 2019. Razgatlioglu came from 17th that day to win. 

The Turkish star recounted back to that moment when speaking after the race. "Last time in 2019! France race; 17th start and first finish, win I mean. But this one is the second one from 13th start, it’s not bad," said Razgatlioglu. 

"Today for me was not a good start because the wet conditions I’m not fast. I said ‘okay, it’s raining and I just ride, I try for a good position for the championship’, but then I see the dry line; I think all riders put the slick tyre, but I have just one chance. 

"I need good position for the championship. The first lap I see that I’m second and after that I say, ‘this is my race’ and I push all the laps. 

"Sometimes I made mistakes and was close to crash, but anyway, I’m really happy and again a win." 

Before today, Razgatlioglu’s best finish at Donington was three second places which was a result not in the 24 year-old’s mind today.

"Also, 2018 and 19, two races where I’m second here. But this season I say, ‘I need win’ because I never win this track with Superbike," added Razgatlioglu. 

"Very important to take the points for the championship, now it’s 15 points (from Rea), but the season is very long."