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SIX-FOR-SIX: Razgatlioglu fends off Bulega as Rea claims a historic first podium with Yamaha

Sunday, 14 July 2024 10:51 GMT

    • The #54 had the perfect start to Sunday, claiming a 47th career win as Jonathan Rea took his first podium with Yamaha from eighth on the grid

    The MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship returned for further action at the Prosecco DOC UK Round, with Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) storming to a phenomenal victory in the Superpole Race. The #54 did not have it easy, after being put under pressure early on as he charged to win his sixth race in a row. Meanwhile, it was a strong showing for Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati), who took second after a fantastic result for the Italian. Meanwhile, Jonathan Rea (Pata Prometeon Yamaha), ended his longest career podium drought after claiming his first podium with the Japanese manufacturer.

    ROCKET LAUNCH: Bulega claims the holeshot

    After dominating Saturday’s proceedings, it was Bulega who led the field through the opening sector after a magnificent launch from the line. Razgatlioglu was immediately pushing, trying to match the fierce pace of the #11 as Rea leapt to third on the opening lap. “El Turco” hit the front for the first time on Lap 3, launching a move at Turn 11 – instantly beginning to create a gap. Meanwhile, there was a huge battle forming for fourth position, with Scott Redding (Bonovo Action BMW), Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) and Aruba.it Racing – Ducati’s Alvaro Bautista, battling in the final stages.

    BATTLE OF THE BRITS: Redding fends off Alex Lowes

    However, it was Redding who held onto fourth position, defending from compatriot Alex Lowes at the chequered flag. The #22 finished just 0.201s behind Redding but would round out the top five and claim a solid second row start for Race 2 later on. There will be tough competition on the second row after Bautista took P6 at the line after a solid ride from 11th on the grid. Meanwhile, taking seventh was Andrea Locatelli (Pata Prometeon Yamaha), who was unable to improve on his starting position for the final race of the weekend. “Loka” stretched a strong gap to Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) in eighth, who was under pressure in the final laps by Barni Spark Racing Team’s Danilo Petrucci, with the #9 rounding out the top nine.

    BEST OF THE REST: Iannone misses out in 10th

    While it was a strong start to Sunday for Alex Lowes, the same could not be said about his teammate Axel Bassani (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK), who tumbled down the order after a crash at Turn 4 on Lap 2. This will force the Italian to start from 16th on the grid in Race 2, one row ahead of Andrea Iannone, who finished 10th in the Superpole Race – missing out on a top nine finish by 0.599s.

    The top nine from the Superpole Race, full results here:

    1. Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team)

    2. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing - Ducati) +4.826s

    3. Jonathan Rea (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) +6.526s

    4. Scott Redding (Bonovo Action BMW) +8.375s

    5. Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) +8.576s

    6. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing - Ducati) +9.188s

    7. Andrea Locatelli (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) +10.037s

    8. Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) +11.760s

    9. Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) +12.229s

    Fastest Lap: Toprak Razgatlioglu, 1’25.733s (New race lap record)

    The action does not stop at Donington Park, make sure you don’t miss Race 2 at 14:00 Local Time (UTC+1) using the WorldSBK VideoPass!