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Toprak Razgatlioglu was able to patch things up as always. It was not an easy test for the Turkish rider, who ended Tuesday at Phillip Island with the fourth fastest time, accusing a half-a-second gap from the top.
The world champion is fully aware of the situation he is facing and at the same time the idea that he does not want to throw in the towel at this early stage. On the contrary, the number 1 is ready to go back on the attack with the goal of dreaming big.
"It was not a great day," he began, "we did not improve our set-up, plus the SC0 did not work, as I stopped after only one lap. The grip is strange and the BMW did not work at that point. Having said that, with the race tyre, the feeling was not bad, given the time achieved in less than optimal conditions."
Physically, how are you doing?
"At first I felt pain, then the situation improved."
Toprak, did you get an explanation regarding yesterday's incident?
"I talked to BMW and the engineers, but even they couldn't explain why the traction control didn't work. Unfortunately, I'm not 100 percent, in the corners I was afraid to open the throttle. In fact I feel that the bike is moving and it is not normal, since the Ducatis open the throttle and turn easily unlike me. I think it depends on the electronics and I think we can find the pace we need on Friday."
Are you surprised by the Panigale's performance?
"The Ducati is strong everywhere and you only have to see the ranking at the end of the day. However, today I only got to see Iannone on the track, but he never used the new tyre, in fact he was slower."
Toprak where are you struggling?
"We lose in the first and third sectors, otherwise we manage to be competitive. If we can improve, we could be ready for the race. With the used tyre I did 1'29" high. I wanted to do 1'28", but I couldn't do it."
Can we say that Bulega is the favorite?
"Bulega is strong and has the fastest pace, but Alvaro is also strong. Should we manage to improve the bike for Friday, I think we could fight with Nicolò for the win. In fact, the cool conditions could help us, whereas in hot weather it is completely different. I am certainly not giving up, aware that we can do well."
A strong risk of rain is forecast for Sunday. Could that help?
"From the point of view of the electronics I would say yes, since it affects more in the wet than in dry conditions. I am not afraid of the water, although I avoided going out on the track today because I have already crashed enough (smiles, ed.)."
Will the flag-to-flag race instead allow you to recover some energy?
"Let's say yes, then we'll see."
