Garrett Gerloff admitted he complimented WorldSBK rookie Alberto Surra for “riding really well” after the pair’s intense Race 2 battle at Most.
Gerloff had his best weekend with Kawasaki in Most after finishing inside the top six in all three races, the first time he achieved that feat since Aragon 2024.
However, in Race 2, the Texan was locked in an intense battle for fifth with WorldSBK rookie Alberto Surra, and revealed he was getting frustrated on the bike as he struggled to get past.
“In Race 2, I was getting so frustrated, my face was getting red, I was saying things maybe I shouldn’t have said in my helmet,” Gerloff told WorldSBK.com.
“I just could not stay in front of Surra. I was giving it my all, I would pass him, then he would pass me right back, then I’d pass him again, and again he would pass me back. I felt really good.
“He was really good at braking and accelerating out of the corner. When I’d pass, I felt like I could go, but then he’d pass right back.
“There were a few times where he went a little wide, and he’d come across my front and close the door.
“It was clean and a good race, but I kind of wish that we had worked together more, because I think that we could have gone forward, but you know, it’s racing.”
After the race, Gerloff admitted he relished the battle with Surra and spoke to the young Italian to congratulate him on a strong rookie season so far.
“It was a nice battle, clean and everything. I had the chance to talk with him, and I told him he’s riding really well.
“It’s good to finish in the top five. This is for sure the best weekend I’ve had on the Kawasaki.”
Garrett Gerloff praises Alberto Surra after ‘clean and everything’ WorldSBK battle
Gerloff won out in the race-long battle between the pair, and despite his initial reactions on the bike relished the battle with Surra.
The American rider also revealed that he spoke to the young Italian to congratulate him on a strong rookie season so far.
“It was a nice battle, clean and everything. I had the chance to talk with him, and I told him he’s riding really well.
“It’s good to finish in the top five. This is for sure the best weekend I’ve had on the Kawasaki.”
Surra also weighed in on the pair’s fight for fifth and admitted Gerloff was “professional” in his overtakes.
The rookie achieved his career best result of fifth in the Superpole race at Most, while also picking up a ninth and sixth from the weekend.
Following his initial adaptation to the Ducati, Surra suggested it was his best weekend in WorldSBK.
”I’m really happy with our performance this weekend,” Surra said.
“The battle with Gerloff was very, very good. Gerloff is a very fast rider and professional in how he rides and makes passes.
“It was a lot of fun, especially the pass I made on Turn 4, sliding the bike, my eyes practically closed, and full gas!
“I’m very happy with the race and the weekend in general.”
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