WorldSBK Round Five | Triple treat for Razgatlioglu

Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) dominated the UK Round of WorldSBK with pole position, three victories and three fastest laps at Donington Park. It was an amazing weekend of racing for all classes. Check out our full report here… Report: Ed Stratmann/WorldSBK

Friday practice
WorldSBK
Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) was the rider to beat in the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship as he closed in on the existing lap record at Donington Park. Just missing out on the 1’25s bracket, the #54 claimed P1 for the Prosecco DOC UK Round as he laid down a gauntlet for his rivals.

Read our WorldSBK 2024 Round Four Report here…

Razgatlioglu remained unbeaten on Friday at Donington as he went straight into the low 1’26s, around three tenths clear of his rivals on a day where he stayed P1 for the majority of it. It was a strong day for BMW with Scott Redding (Bonovo Action BMW) in fifth place, lapping 0.421s down on his stablemate.

Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) led Ducati’s charge as he claimed second overall, despite not running in the first stages of the 45-minute session. His 1’26.235s was enough to overhaul Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati), with the #11 claiming third despite several trips through the gravel on Friday.

WorldSSP
It was a thrilling end to Friday’s action for the FIM Supersport World Championship, as Superpole got underway with spots of rain in the air and Adrian Huertas (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) storming to pole position. After a dramatic Superpole, it was the #99 who came out on top to steal pole position in the final five minutes of the session from Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) Stefano Manzi (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) rounded off an impressive front row for Race 1 on Saturday, starting as the top Yamaha in P3.

Full Friday Superbike and Supersport results available here…

Saturday
WorldSBK
WorldSBK Race 1
Race 1 for the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship was fireworks, with Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) extending his Championship lead after setting an unbelievable pace to charge to victory by 11.384 seconds.

Full Superbike Superpole results here…

After an impressive Friday and Superpole, Razgatlioglu proved he was able to replicate his incredible speed in Race 1, dominating proceedings to secure BMW’s 20th victory ahead of home hero, Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK), who took an impressive second to clinch his 39th career podium. Reigning World Champion Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) claimed third as the chequered flag flew to secure his 99th career podium in the closing stages after superb race pace.

Off the start, it was Razgatlioglu who converted his pole position into a race lead on the run down to Redgate. The #54 put together a fantastic opening lap, leading ahead of Scott Redding (Bonovo Action BMW).

As the race progressed, Razgatlioglu continued to extend a comfortable advantage to over four seconds, constantly running inside the 1’26 bracket. The #54 led from Bulega and Redding, with the latter being chased by compatriot Alex Lowes for the final spot on the podium. The #22 was carving through the field, entering the final corner in P3 before catching and passing Bulega for second position two laps later. Meanwhile, Redding would have drama on the exit of Turn 11, retiring from Race 1 with an issue.

Bulega rode to a fourth place finish, crossing the line 1.746s behind his teammate after the Italian lost third place with four laps to go. Meanwhile, Jonathan Rea (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) would have a confidence-boosting Race 1, battling to fifth at the line – finishing as the top Yamaha.

“This is an amazing feeling because Donington is my favourite track. This was a strong win with a big gap to the other riders. I’m fast this weekend and I take advantage of this because the Championship is important for me,” explained Razgatlioglu.

WorldSBK Race 1 Results

Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team)
Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) +11.384s
Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +13.167s
Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +14.913s
Jonathan Rea (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) +16.349s

View Full Results

WorldSSP Race 1
The FIM Supersport World Championship returned to track at the Prosecco DOC UK Round for a thrilling Race 1, with Adrian Huertas (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) looking impeccable at Donington Park after taking the lead early on and charging to victory to take his 5th win.

It was a phenomenal WorldSSP Race 1, with Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) leading early, before being quickly attacked by Huertas. Once the #99 entered the lead he didn’t look back, extending his win margin to 4.679s at the chequered flag. Montella would lose second in the closing stages with Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing’s Stefano Manzi finishing in second position, a mere 0.188s ahead of Montella.

The lights went out and it was a fast start from Montella, as polesitter Huertas charged hard on the opening lap. Huertas did not take long to steal first, launching his attack on Lap 2 at Redgate and would go on to set the fastest lap of Race 1.

There would be drama for home hero, Tom Booth-Amos (PTR Triumph), who would receive a Long Lap penalty for taking a shortcut and not losing one second. The #69 was in an intense fight for the final spot in the top five between Orelac Racing Verdnatura’s Jorge Navarro and Bahattin Sofuoglu (MV Agusta Reparto Corse). Meanwhile, at the front, Huertas soon extended his lead to over five seconds – setting a consistent 1’29 pace.

With two laps remaining, the #62 of Manzi snatched second from Montella, as all eyes turned to the final lap. Montella looked for an opportunity at every corner on the last lap but wasn’t able to find a gap in the Italian’s armour. Further back, there was late drama for Marcel Schroetter (MV Agusta Reparto Corse), who crashed at the final corner on the last lap after contact with the #64. Navarro took fourth at the line after a great battle in the closing stages with Valentin Debise (Evan Bros. WorldSSP Yamaha Team).

WorldSSP Race 1 Results

Adrian Huertas (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team)
Stefano Manzi (Pata Prometeon Ten Kate Racing) +4.679s
Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) +4.867s
Jorge Navarro (Orelac Racing VerdNatura) +6.392s
Valentin Debise (Evan Bros. WorldSSP Yamaha Team) +6.630s

View Full Results

Sunday
Superpole Race
The MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship returned for further action, with Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) scorching 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) to bank second. Jonathan Rea (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) notably ended his longest career podium drought after claiming his first podium with the Japanese manufacturer.

After dominating Saturday’s proceedings, it was Bulega who led the field through the opening sector following 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. However, it was Redding that held onto fourth position, defending from compatriot Alex Lowes at the chequered flag.

Superpole Race Results

Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team)
Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +4.826s
Jonathan Rea (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) +6.526s
Scott Redding (Bonovo Action BMW) +8.375
Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) +8.576

View Full Results

WorldSBK Race 2
The final race of the weekend for the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship was packed with drama from start to finish, with Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) completing a perfect weekend by winning all three races.

It was an unbelievable weekend for the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team as Razgatlioglu completed a dream result at Donington Park. After finishing fastest on Friday, and securing the pole position on Saturday, Toprak gave BMW a triple race win – his ninth victory with the German manufacturer. The #54 equals Tom Sykes’ record at the historic circuit, after beating Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) by an incredible 8.062s. Behind the Italian, and taking the final spot on the podium, was Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK), who completed his 300th race start.

There was drama before the start, with reigning World Champion Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) crashing at Goddards on his sighting lap. The #1 would get his machine repaired on the grid, just in time for the race start. However, once the lights went out nobody could match the rocketing Razgatlioglu, for he maintained his lead from Bulega and Scott Redding (Bonovo Action BMW). Redding had a strong start to Race 2 but would soon be caught and demoted to fourth by Alex Lowes.

Front row starter, Jonathan Rea (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) had a tough start to Race 2, losing touch with the front four before getting overtaken by Bautista and Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) with 14 laps remaining. After overtaking Rea, the #1 set his sights on Andrea Locatelli (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) – soon entering the top five. At the front, Razgatlioglu put together a sensational performance, consistently lapping inside the 1’26 mark in the late stages, as he crossed the line to clinch victory by 8.062s over Bulega. Redding held onto fourth position in the dying stages of Race 2, keeping a 1.201s margin to Bautista.

“I’m feeling incredible. My target coming here was to win all three races and we did that. I’m strong but my bike was also incredible at this circuit, and the team found improvements for the bike each day,” a delighted Razgatlioglu insisted.

WorldSBK Race 2 Results

Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team)
Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +8.062s
Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) +10.026s
Scott Redding (Bonovo Action BMW) +12.275s
Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +13.476s

View Full Results

Championship Points

Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) 241 points
Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 200 points
Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 186 points
Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) 165 points
Andrea Locatelli (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) 116 points

View Championship Standings

WorldSSP Race 2

The FIM Supersport World Championship returned to track at the Prosecco DOC UK Round and delivered a spectacular finale to the weekend, with Adrian Huertas (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) inheriting victory at Donington Park after Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) was penalised.

Huertas was able to secure the win at Donington Park, completing a perfect weekend in the WorldSSP class. The #99 was declared the winner after Montella exceeded track limits on the final lap and was demoted one position. Meanwhile, securing the final spot on the podium was Jorge Navarro (Orelac Racing Verdnatura) – a further 3.316s adrift.

Once the lights went out it was a fantastic launch from Huertas but his lead did not last long, as on the exit of Redgate, Montella led. However, there would be an early red flag in Race 2, bringing a halt to track action after an incident involving PTR Triumph’s John McPhee, Krittapat Keankum (Yamaha Thailand Racing Team), TJ Toms (R&R Racing) and Federico Fuligni (Orelac Racing Verdnatura) at Turn 10.

The race was reduced to 12 laps with original grid positions, allowing Huertas to start on pole position. Once the restart got underway, it was a carbon copy start from Montella, stealing the lead once again. The #55 was unable to make a gap in the early stages, with Huertas, Navarro and Stefano Manzi (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) on his tail. Meanwhile, Tom Booth-Amos (PTR Triumph) and Evan Bros. WorldSSP Yamaha Team’s Valentin Debise duelled for the final spot inside the top five as the end of the race neared.

On the final lap, Huertas closed the gap to Montella in the lead, having a look at the entry to Turn 9. The #99 gave it everything but couldn’t match Montella’s incredible pace – settling for second. However, Montella ran onto the green on the final lap, which saw him demoted one position for exceeding track limits. This allowed Huertas to take the 25 points, adding a further victory to his name. Manzi secured fourth to close the weekend as the top Yamaha after finishing ahead of home hero Booth-Amos.

WorldSSP Race 2 Results

Adrian Huertas (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team)
Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) +0.461s
Jorge Navarro (Orelac Racing VerdNatura) +3.316s
Stefano Manzi (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) +6.392s
Thomas Booth-Amos (PTR Triumph) +10.086s

View Full Results

Championship Points

Adrian Huertas (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) 186 points
Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) 161 points
Stefano Manzi (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) 147 points
Marcel Schroetter (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) 109 points
Valentin Debise (Evan Bros. WorldSSP Yamaha Team) 97 points

View Championship Standings

WorldWCR
WorldWCR Race 1
The FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship was back in action for Race 1, and it was yet another thrilling finale, with Ana Carrasco (Evan Bros. Racing Yamaha Team) taking a phenomenal victory at Donington Park. WorldWCR treated the British crowd to a sensational race with a five-bike group battling for victory, with the win being decided on the final lap.

Maria Herrera (Klint Forward Factory Team) led the field after a phenomenal launch off the line. The #6 did not hold on to the lead for long, though, with Carrasco attacking on Lap 1 before Herrera battled back – beginning an intense duel.

Heading into an unpredictable last lap, it was Carrasco leading Neila, who had just set the fastest lap of the race – aiming to take her first victory. Sanchez pulled off an unbelievable double overtake to enter P2, dropping Herrera to fourth. Exiting the final corner, it was the #22 who stormed to victory from Neila with Sanchez crossing the line in third.

WorldWCR Race 1 Results

Ana Carrasco (Evan Bros. Racing Yamaha Team)
Beatriz Neila (Ampito / Pata Prometeon Yamaha) +0.511s
Sara Sanchez (511 Terra&Vita Racing Team) +0.726s
Maria Herrera (Klint Forward Factory Team) +0.890s
Roberta Ponziani (Yamaha Motoxracing WCR Team) +3.476s

View Full Results

WorldWCR Race 2

It was yet another thrilling race at the Prosecco DOC UK Round, with Herrera taking victory after stealing the lead at the start and battling for first position in a sensational duel. The #6 won by 0.199s in Race 2 from Ana Carrasco (Evan Bros. Racing Yamaha Team), who is now seven points adrift from the Championship lead. Meanwhile, Sara Sanchez (511 Terra&Vita Racing Team) was able to grab another third. Claiming the holeshot on the run down to Redgate was Herrera, with the #6 aiming for redemption in Race 2 after finishing fourth on Saturday. Carrasco raced to second at the end of Lap 1 and was soon under pressure from Sanchez. In the opening stages, the fastest lap would change hands multiple times, with Carrasco clawing back Herrera’s one-second advantage.

Carrasco soon hit the front at the end of Lap 6 before Herrera instantly responded on the entry to Turn 11. Meanwhile, polesitter Beatriz Neila (Ampito / Pata Prometeon Yamaha) dropped to third and was in a fierce battle with Sanchez. It was a two-way fight for the final spot on the podium after a crash at Turn 11 involving Yamaha Motoxracing WCR Team’s Ornella Ongaro and Roberta Ponziani put them out of contention.

On the final lap, Herrera continued to lead the way, with the #22 looking for every opportunity to pounce. Carrasco tried an attempt on the entry to Turn 11, running wide and handing Herrera victory after a super ride. Meanwhile, Sanchez was able to fend off Neila at the chequered flag after a brilliant final battle for the podium.

WorldWCR Race 2 Results