Razgatlioglu makes World Superbike history with maiden rostrum
Toprak Razgatlioglu has become the first Turkish rider to secure a World Superbike podium finish, coming in just his 12th race in the series, finishing as top Kawasaki rider ahead of the likes of factory riders Jonathan Rea and Tom Sykes.
After stepping up to the Superbike class from the European Superstock 1000 series this year, the former Red Bull Rookies rider has secured his maiden rostrum with an eye-catching performance to fight from 10th on the grid to second place in race two at Donington Park.
Toprak Razgatlioglu has become the first Turkish rider to secure a World Superbike podium finish, coming in just his 12th race in the series, finishing as top Kawasaki rider ahead of the likes of factory riders Jonathan Rea and Tom Sykes.
After stepping up to the Superbike class from the European Superstock 1000 series this year, the former Red Bull Rookies rider has secured his maiden rostrum with an eye-catching performance to fight from 10th on the grid to second place in race two at Donington Park.
The Turkish rider, who had topped Sunday’s morning warm-up session, says he found the perfect set-up with his Puccetti Kawasaki for the second race as he produced a blitzing late race charge to take second place behind dominant double winner Michael van der Mark for Pata Yamaha.
“I’m really happy as in morning warm-up we had a really good lap time and in the race starting 10th I followed Sykes and Rea before trying to pass as I felt I had good pace,” Razgatlioglu said.
“There was a bit of traffic trying to catch the front group but I’m really happy to take my first podium and to become the first Turkish rider to secure a World Superbike podium. The bike felt really good with a nice feeling, the bike was perfect.”
Razgatlioglu’s rostrum comes just two weeks on from mentor and fellow countryman Kenan Sofuoglu’s emotional retirement from racing as a five-time World Supersport champion due to injury issues.
