Toprak Razgatlioglu is on a relentless quest for victory, with his sights set firmly on extending his remarkable winning streak to 13 consecutive races at the iconic Motorland Aragon circuit. The Turkish sensation refuses to dwell on calculations or predictions; his singular focus is on triumphing over his competitors, particularly the formidable Ducati and Bulega. This weekend’s race isn’t just another event on the calendar—it could be a pivotal moment in his championship chase.
“Ducati is always strong, but we have won many races this season and we are motivated,” Razgatlioglu stated with unwavering confidence. He acknowledges the challenges of the Aragon track, a venue where he has yet to secure a win. However, his past struggles, including a frustrating injury last year, seem to have transformed into a renewed sense of determination. “Now I am much calmer and I want to win because it’s my last chance to succeed here before I move on to MotoGP.”
Reflecting on his evolution since the start of the season, Razgatlioglu emphasizes a critical shift in his mentality. “It’s changed my mindset, that’s all. Once I focused on my work, we found the right setup and learned how to make the bike work for me.” The early-season struggles he faced, compounded by late rule changes and a lack of confidence, are now behind him. He acknowledges that he was distracted by regulations that were implemented too late, which hindered his performance.
The whispers surrounding the BMW chassis have been relentless throughout the season, and Razgatlioglu isn’t shy about addressing them. “The chassis is certainly different. Last year, the bike was easier to ride, but I lacked confidence. We made adjustments and adapted the setup, and once I started winning, my motivation skyrocketed.”
Last week, he took a detour to Austin for some practice, albeit with a different flavor. “I was there with the Stock! I only tried Pirelli tires, SC1 and SCX, and I had a blast. I had raced there back in 2013 with the Rookies Cup.” This experience only adds to his burgeoning confidence as he gears up for the challenge in Aragon.
When asked about his previous comments about disrupting Ducati’s plans, Razgatlioglu didn’t hold back. “I think I did a great job here last year, and I want to stay calm like I am now. This is Ducati’s best track, but I know I can fight with them and give them a surprise.”
The tension is palpable as Ducati seems less than thrilled about the competition heating up. “It’s good to hear them talk about our bike; it shows we are doing well. However, we still need to improve on the straights because we are not yet at Ducati’s level. Everyone knows that this is the reality; in the end, our bike is not at 100%.”
With the stakes higher than ever and the pressure mounting, all eyes will be on Razgatlioglu as he attempts to carve his name into the history books at Aragon. The stage is set for a thrilling showdown, and fans can expect nothing less than an electrifying battle as he seeks to make his mark.
