Razgatlioglu claims seventh win of the year, Rea unable to match title rival
Toprak Razgatlioglu was untouchable during race one at WorldSBK Magny-Cours as he extended his title advantage to five points.
Following a tough opening few corners in which Alex Lowes and Michael Rinaldi got ahead of the Yamaha rider, Razgatlioglu needed just three corners to get back past both riders, before reeling in pole sitter Jonathan Rea.
On lap five, Razgatlioglu performed one of his stunning late braking manoeuvres into turn five, which was the only attempt the 24 year-old needed as he gradually pulled clear in the second half of the race.
As was the case in recent rounds, Rea was able to stay with Razgatlioglu for several laps before beginning to run wide in places.
Razgatlioglu’s win puts him five points clear of Rea after the pair started the race level.
While it’s a very small gap, it’s an advantage Razgatlioglu has previously not had, while 10/12 race wins is his aim in order to take the title - currently on seven victories.
Razgatlioglu said: "For me it was a very good race. Also thank you to my team because they do an incredible job this weekend."
"Also I like a lot this track and yesterday I tried a race simulation and was focused on good lap time, consistent lap time.
"When I passed Johnny [Rea] I also tried to do consistent lap times and I won. Five points is not a big gap, it’s a very small gap.
"Every race weekend has been changing this season but I am focused just on the next race. My goal this year is ten, maybe 12 wins and I will try again for this tomorrow."
After starting the race in great shape, it soon became a case of consolidating P2 for Rea as Razgatlioglu started to create a gap.
"It is clear we are quite on the limit of the package and are asking a lot from the front of the bike - in terms of stability and front tyre," added Rea.
"When I was with Toprak [Razgatlioglu] I felt really good in sector one, up to the braking area of turn five.
"But, changing gear from first to second on the exit of T5 I lost all the time in the lap. During the rest of the lap I felt quite good.
"Eventually it was time to consolidate second position because Toprak was going away."
