The race at the front of the World Superbike championship continued this weekend between Nicolo Bulega and Toprak Razgatlioglu. After a day one win by Razgatlioglu the battle would continue in the Superpole race and Race 2. Bulega got the advantage in the super pole race but Razgatlioglu walked away from the weekend with a bigger point lead than he came in with due to also winning race 2. With that lead Razgatlioglu’s path to the 2024 championship got a lot easier as he will go into the final round with a 46 point lead.
Razgatlioglu said, “I am really happy today, especially with race two. We did not manage three wins this weekend, but almost, as it was very close in the Superpole race. There, I also used the race tire because I thought that the Q tire would drop at the end. I had incredible pace with the race tire but when I saw the checkered flag I had lost the race. I was surprised that the Q tire didn’t drop while my tire started to spin a lot.
Nicolo had a big advantage in the last corner and I kept fighting and it was very close. But we got good points for the championship and I won both long races. They are always more difficult because you need to manage the tire and your pace. I did a very good job. To get the wins again after the big injury is really good for me and now we will see what happens at Jerez. I am pretty relaxed because I have a good points lead.
I will just try to enjoy Jerez…I don’t need to win at Jerez – and maybe I will win there, too…Ducati is very strong there but we improved a lot after the test and I am ready to fight. if I just need a second position in the last race, that’s okay but I am focusing on winning again.”
Three Podiums and in the Fight
Nicolo Bulega took a hit in the championship race after Razgatlioglu won 2 of three races. However Bulega kept his hopes alive for a fighting chance at the final round in with three podiums this weekend. He said, “I’m thrilled with the results this Sunday. In particular, I feel that this morning’s Superpole Race was one of my best races, not only this season. I am pleased to have extended the title fight to Jerez. I think it is an important result for a rookie”.
With a 46 point deficit it will take some divine intervention to knock Razgatlioglu off of the top of the table. With one weekend of racing left to go its now or never for the rookie. Last year’s champion Alvaro Bautista put in a valiant effort in 2024 but is statistically eliminated from championship contention.