Razgatlioglu takes big step towards first WorldSBK title with double Jerez win

Toprak Razgatlioglu has taken a sensational Jerez World Superbike double to increase his championship lead to 20 points over Jonathan Rea.  

The Yamaha rider started both races from pole and faced tough battles from Rea (race one) and Scott Redding (race two). 

With the championship fight getting fiercer and fiercer in recent races, Razgatlioglu and Rea didn’t disappoint in their opening race battle which included hefty contact. 

Razgatlioglu attempted a late move into turn six but was unable to get alongside the six-time world champion, which resulted in the Turkish rider having to stand the bike up before hitting the rear of the Kawasaki. 

Rea then extended his lead before Razgatlioglu came back for more with seven laps to go, the move much cleaner this time, as Razgatlioglu outbraked Rea into turn one. 

In race two, Razgatlioglu seemed to be on his way to a more comfortable race win while Rea dropped back. 

However, Redding reeled in the Yamaha man around mid-race distance before taking the lead four laps from the end. 

But in typical Razgatlioglu fashion, the ten time race winner this season - the exact number of races he aimed to win before the year began - responded on the very next lap to claim his second win of the day. 

It wasn’t just the on-track fights Razgatlioglu had to worry about, as the 24 year-old was also not at 100% due to feeling ‘sick’. 

Razgatlioglu added: "This weekend I’m a little bit sick, also the noise (voice) is different. I tried my best again and fought for the win and again we got another win. This year now ten wins. I’m happy.

"This day for me was good because we also improved the bike. In race one we were fighting with Johnny [Rea] and I won. 

"In the second race we tried to improve a little bit the bike, but not a good feeling because of the hot condition; this is for every rider a problem with front sliding. 

"But the second race we were fighting with Scott [Redding] and Scott was very strong in the last laps, but again I win. I say every time I’m not thinking about the championship side. 

"Now I’m leading by 20 points but I’m just focused on every race and I just try to win. 

"Also in Portimao I will try again, but maybe in the last race weekend I will look at the championship and also I will try because I know Johnny is very strong. He is also very strong in Portimao."