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with the collaboration of Daniela Piazza
Welcome back Superbike! That's exactly what one migh say, since the Championship in Australia was defined as a Ducati Cup. Toprak rediscovered the taste of victory by bringing BMW back to the throne with a perfect pike dive. But the Rossa has a winning horse to bet on, namely Nicolò Bulega, who has now become a certainty in his own right, to the extent that he wears the captain's stripes on the team.
THE GOOD - If Australia left him angry and frustrated, Portugal gave him back his confidence and awareness in one fell swoop. Toprak has returned, and he did it in his own way: with a hat trick that boosted him back into the championship race. But, this time, he's not alone. Bulega is lurking in the shadows, and we're convinced it's going to be a different story ...
THE UGLY - Of all the Ducatis, it was the one that collected the least. First, the crash with Bautista, then two 15th places. We believe that Scott Redding wants to forget about Portimão as soon as possible and look to Assen for answers.
THE BAD - Andrea Iannone was on the same wavelength as Scott Redding, but Andrea didn't even finish Race 2 on Sunday, after being left out of the top ten in the morning Sprint. So Saturday's super comeback wasn't enough, on a dark weekend in which the lights of Australia faded.
THE DELUSION - From what we saw in last week's tests, the premises seemed to be of the best. It was a nightmarish weekend for Alex Lowes, who didn't pick up a single point in Portugal. Saturday's qualifying played a decisive role for the British rider, who betrayed all expectations riding the Bimota.
THE CONFIRMATION - Bulega is there, in every situation and in every moment: Toprak is aware of that. Even this time, the Aruba rider proved to be the only one able to challenge the world champion: a sign of growth and maturity, which bodes well in the race towards the title.
THE ERROR - Which of the two is the culprit? Obviously, the other! We're talking about Bautista and Redding, whose Saturday race ended after a handful of corners. Andrea Iannone is also on the list. He decided to anticipate everyone at the start on Sunday!
THE SURPRISE - Another harrowing season for Yamaha seems to have started at Phillip Island. Instead, Andrea Locatelli made magic in Portimão, holding the flag for the company high, all weekend long. Constantly fighting for top positions, the rider from Bergamo leaves Portugal with a podium in his pocket, which is proof of what he's worth and of the reference status he acquired for the team in blue that's orphaned by Jonathan Rea.
THE OVERTAKE - Razgatlioglu and Bulega didn't spare themselves in Algarve, where overtaking and counter-overtaking were the highlights in all three races. With such an abundance, we'll let you choose your favorite!
THE ANECDOTE - Benat Fernandez couldn't have asked for more on his debut weekend in the Supersport 300. A surprise poleman in Friday's Superpole, the 17-year-old Spanish rider treated himself to beating his compatriots, Julio Garcia and Antonio Torres, in Race 2, leading Team #109 Retro Traffic Kove to victory after an epic last-lap battle.
THE I TOLD YOU SO - Bulega at the end of the weekend: "If they limit Ducati, Toprak will win hands down." FIM and Dorna have been warned.
