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Toprak Razgatlioglu's weekend at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli ended with a couple of podium finishes. Although on the eve of this round the expectations were very different, the Yamaha rider saved what could be salvaged by taking two second places both in the Superpole Race in the morning and in Race 2 in the early afternoon. In fact, it was the maximum result he could have achieved in view of the clear superiority of Alvaro Bautista and Ducati.
“We didn’t make any significant progress since yesterday. Despite the good pace, I simply tried to follow Bautista who was also uncatchable today - said the 2021 world champion - like the Ducati riders, I used the new development SCX instead of the standard specification. I fought throughout the race to try and keep the rear tyre grip. It wasn't easy to keep Rinaldi at bay given the power of his bike on the straight, I'm sorry he crashed afterwards".
At least at the start, the Turk tried to put a spoke in the Spaniard's wheel, but a lap and a half was enough for Bautista to put things straight: “At the start, I was aggressive because I knew I wouldn't have a chance on the straight. In general, however, I am satisfied, I take home these three podiums even if a bit of regret remains for the outcome of the Superpole Race (suspended early with Bautista's first place close; ed.). We knew we were strong because in the short distance the disadvantage from Bautista is less".
Bautista's supremacy is such that something exceptional will be needed to break his streak of victories: “I was 5-6 seconds faster than in 2022, Bautista even about ten. This means that the Ducati has improved a lot as a technical package. It is no coincidence that every time there are several at the top of the classification. The Panigale V4 R is complete. In top speed, cornering and in terms of electronics. Good for Superbike. As far as I'm concerned, I'm here to win, not to finish second, and with Yamaha we'll continue to roll up our sleeves between now and the end of the season."
Razgatlioglu has his sights set on the Donington Park round scheduled for 1-2 July next. A place capable of evoking good memories such as the dominant hat-trick achieved in 2022: “I'm confident, but there will be some unknown factors, primarily due to the recent resurfacing of the track. I'll try to do my best by remembering that last year Bautista proved to be very fast and that Rea often comes good in front of his home crowd. I hope we will all fight together, I understand the boredom that is generated among fans by seeing Bautista always ride on his own. The same happens to me if I'm not involved in close duels in the race, it goes against my nature".
