The world of Superbike racing just witnessed a thrilling showdown that could define this year’s championship. Toprak Razgatlioglu has done it again, securing his second consecutive win at the EICMA Estoril Round and inching closer to the 2025 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship title. But here’s where it gets controversial: can anyone stop ‘El Turco’ from clinching the crown in Race 2? Let’s dive into the action-packed Superpole Race that left fans on the edge of their seats.
In a 10-lap battle that showcased razor-sharp precision and fierce rivalry, Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) outmaneuvered title contender Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing - Ducati) by a slender half-second margin. This victory not only marked his 21st win of the season but also extended his lead over Bulega, setting the stage for a potential title clinch in the upcoming Race 2. To secure the championship, Razgatlioglu needs to outperform Bulega by 18 points—a feat that feels within reach after this dominant performance. But is it a done deal? Some fans argue that Bulega still has a fighting chance, especially given his relentless pursuit in the latter half of the race. What do you think? Is the title already Razgatlioglu’s to lose?
The race itself was a masterclass in strategy and aggression. Bulega seized the holeshot, but Razgatlioglu quickly regrouped after dropping to third behind Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing - Ducati). By Turn 6 on the opening lap, he had overtaken Bautista, and by Lap 2, he passed Bulega at Turn 1. The lead swapped hands multiple times, with Razgatlioglu briefly losing control at Turn 6 before stabilizing his position. Bulega fought back at Turn 1, but Razgatlioglu held firm, gradually building a gap that he maintained until the finish line. And this is the part most people miss: despite Bulega’s late-race surge, Razgatlioglu’s composure under pressure was the deciding factor. Could Bulega’s aggressive style ultimately cost him the title?
Meanwhile, the battle for the podium was equally intense. Bautista secured third place after fending off Andrea Locatelli (Pata Maxus Yamaha), who finished fourth. Jonathan Rea (Pata Maxus Yamaha) was in contention until a heartbreaking crash at Turn 7 on Lap 5 dashed his hopes of a second-row start in Race 2. Andrea Iannone (Team Pata GoEleven), dubbed ‘The Maniac,’ charged through the field to claim fifth, while Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) crashed out of fourth place on the final lap, finishing 15th. Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) rounded out the second row with a sixth-place finish, holding off Xavi Vierge (Honda HRC), who settled for seventh.
The third row will feature Vierge, Axel Bassani (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team), and Michael van der Mark (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team), who finished eighth and ninth, respectively. Bassani gained a position after his teammate’s crash, while van der Mark’s steady performance secured his spot.
Here’s the full top nine from the Tissot Superpole Race:
1. Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team)
2. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing - Ducati) +0.545s
3. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing - Ducati) +8.942s
4. Andrea Locatelli (Pata Maxus Yamaha) +10.060s
5. Andrea Iannone (Team Pata GoEleven) +10.122s
6. Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) +10.936s
7. Xavi Vierge (Honda HRC) +11.747s
8. Axel Bassani (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) +12.762s
9. Michael van der Mark (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) +14.875s
Fastest lap: Nicolo Bulega (Ducati), 1'34.973s (new lap record)
As we gear up for Race 2 at 14:00 Local Time (UTC+1), the question remains: Can Bulega mount a comeback, or is Razgatlioglu’s championship destiny inevitable? Don’t miss the action—grab your WorldSBK VideoPass for just €9.99 and witness history in the making. What’s your prediction? Let us know in the comments!
