Razgatlioglu has first WorldSBK title chance this weekend

Toprak Razgatlioglu gets his first chance to clinch the 2021 World Superbike title at the penultimate round in Argentina this weekend.

The Turkish star arrives at the San Juan Villicum circuit 24-points ahead of reigning six-time champion Jonathan Rea, with a maximum of 124 points still available (split between four main races and two superpole races).

Rea hasn't lost a WorldSBK crown since joining Kawasaki in 2015 but if Razgatlioglu can push his title advantage to at least 63-points after Sunday's races, he will be champion before the Indonesian finale.

The most likely scenario is that the tense Razgatlioglu vs Rea contest (11 race wins each) goes down to the final round, but as the DNFs suffered by both riders last time at Portimao proved, the title balance can see-saw in an instant.

"I always say, I am focused only on fighting for the win in the next race, the championship is still changing every weekend!" said Razgatlioglu.

"The team are working hard to give me a good bike every time and every race, every session we are improving. We will work to find the best race set-up on Friday with a race simulation in Free Practice and then we will see.”

As the title battle nears its climax, Razgatlioglu's Pata Yamaha team-mate Andrea Locatelli could also play a vital role in taking points away from Rea.

The Italian rookie is currently tied for fourth in the world championship with Ducati's Michael Ruben Rinaldi, with four podiums so far this season, the most recent of which came last time out in Portugal.

“Argentina is a completely new track for me, so we have some catching up to do but I think we can do very well there," said the reigning World Supersport champion. "My goal is to close the gap to the front group and score some good points for the championship.

"For sure, it will not be easy because the competition is so strong, but we work so well together with the team coming stronger at every round this season. I feel 100% fit and ready to go in San Juan, we are looking forward to starting on Friday and seeing what is possible!”