SBK, Toprak: "Fuel reduction? I don't understand why Ducati is judged like BMW."

Expectations of the weekend, reduced fuel flow and, of course, the future. These are the topics analyzed by Toprak Razgatlioglu on the eve of the TT Assen round. The world champion arrives in the Netherlands after the hat trick of wins he scored in Portimao, but the round promises to be high-stakes.

Bulega and the Ducati are in fact in front and the BMW champion must close the gap to the competition. Before talking about the duel against Nicolò, the Turk commented on the decision regarding the reduction of fuel flow.

"This rule is right," Toprak declared, "the other manufacturers must have the possibility to get closer so that they can close the gap. The strange thing is that Ducati is very strong in the straights and we saw that at Portimao. So I wonder why it is considered at the same level as us, i.e. Checkpoint 1 (a decision parameter deliberated by the FIM according to which to reduce or not to reduce the fuel flow). Ducati should have been considered as Checkpoint 2. Nevertheless, it's okay, because these are the rules and we have to accept them."

Do you think the penalty should have been different?
"Ducati is the most competitive bike and its potential was confirmed in Portimao as well. In Australia we saw their level, in fact I used the term Ducati Cup. Again, it's okay for the regulations, let's think about the race weekend."

What do you expect?
"I am curious to see what will happen. The bike is different than last year, but I am of the opinion that we can do a good job and that the team has worked to be ready. Unfortunately at the beginning of the Championship I struggled with the engine brake, but now the feeling is better, considering that in 2024 I could not give my best in all the corners. I hope to win all three races, something that never succeeded here in Assen, as well as to see van der Mark on the podium."

Toprak, what about your future?
"Every week I read so many things about my 2026: someone says that I have already signed with Honda and that I will even do three wildcards with them. Reading all this I smile, because I have not done or decided anything yet. In fact, my priority is to be focused on my 2025 season. Here there will be Kenan Sofuoglu, who you can ask all the questions you need (smiles and waves)."