Toprak Razgatlioglu admits he was “surprised” at the “really strong pace” shown by his RoKiT BMW machine at the Cremona WorldSBK round.
Razgatlioglu finished second in all three races in Cremona behind championship rival Nicolo Bulega, but was able to battle with the Italian in Race 1 and 2 of the weekend.
While the Turkish rider was reluctant to accept second, he admitted he was amazed by the potential shown from the bike.
“Normally, I do not accept this [result] but I’m also surprised,” Razgatlioglu told the media, including Motorsport Week.
“The race pace is really strong pace. I’m also really surprised.
“But the beginning race, I’m really fighting with Bulega, because I know he’s very strong, but left by lab, I understand some laps [he is] faster than me.
He continued: “But this is good because I learn, I see something, and we have data, and I hope we improve the bike. Especially the rear grip, because Ducatis rear grip is completely a different story.
“It’s easier riding the bike, open the gas bike acceleration, especially full lean. His grip is completely another story.
“[To win] is my biggest target. Looks like also today we see something. Looks like it’s possible, just we need to improve something. I hope we improve.”
Toprak Razgatlioglu: ‘Everything is destroyed’ after WorldSBK rule change
Razgatlioglu also suggested the team continues to struggle due to the rule change which denied BMW its concessions for 2025.
The German manufacturer found out that it would not be able to use its ‘super concession’ chassis which it won both titles with last year, and were instead forced to revert to its standard form.
Despite this being confirmed three months ago, Razgatlioglu remains unhappy with the decision made by WorldSBK.
“Now, everyone is like this, you know, because the problem is the rules,” Razgatlioglu said.
“Before the first race, and one month before, [they] change the rules; this is very strange, everything is changing.
“Normally, we are ready for the season, with the good package, but after the rules, everything is destroyed.
“Now, you know, we are using different parts, the chassis especially, but I’m really fighting on the bike, every corner.”
READ MORE – Nicolo Bulega: Cremona ‘maybe the best weekend’ in WorldSBK
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