Aragon WorldSBK: Toprak Razgatlioglu hints at using 2021-spec R1 at Assen

WorldSBK champion Toprak Razgatlioglu has hinted at a return to last year’s R1-spec Yamaha after ‘a big drop’ with the front tyre cost him any chance of victory in Aragon.
Toprak Razgatlioglu, Aragon WorldSBK, 9 April
Toprak Razgatlioglu, Aragon WorldSBK, 9 April

Although last weekend was Razga♉tlioglu’s best start to a WorldSBK season, and his best results in Aragon, the Pata Yamaha rider was unable to challenge Alvaro Bautista and Jonathan Rea when it matteredꦓ most. 

Razgatlioglu took three consecutive third place finishes, and while he led all three races at different 🍒points, the Turkish star struggled massively with tyre degradation. 

"I think last year we did not start so strong here, because normally this is not a difficult track for Yamaha – but three podiums is better,"&nb♛sp;said a content Razgatlioglu. 

"For me this is a good weekend, I try in the race to improve and I’m fighting with Johnny sometimes, bu൲t in the last laps my tyres had a big drop in grip and I am not able to fight again. 

"Third position is not bad 💯and I ☂am again on the podium, so this is good."

Hard racing is hard racing, ‘I need the points!’

While all three races produced epic racing, the ten-lap Superpole was the most frantic as contact was made several times betw🌟een Rea, Razgatlioglu and Michael Rinaldi. 

Rinaldi came off worse in both of Sunday’s races and was particularly unhappy with the level of aggression shown by Rea and ▨Razgatlioglu, however, in the world champion’s eyes it was a must to get p📖assed, no matter how it was done. 

Razgatlioglu added: "In the 🧜Superpole race I enjoyed the fight with Rinaldi and Jonathan a lot. In the last corner I need to pass Michael because I need the🔜 podium and the points! 

Toprak Razgatlioglu, Jonathan Rea and Michael Ruben Rinaldi, Aragon WorldSBK Superpole Race, 10 April
Toprak Razgatlioglu, Jonathan Rea and Michael Ruben Rinaldi, Aragon WorldSBK Superpole Race,…

"This is racing and we race a lot like t🔯his together in Superstock 600 in 2015! In the second race I saw him in second position pushing the tyre and seeing it start to drop, I say okay now I start to push – I was trying to look after the tyre because in the final laps there was a big drop in grip. 

"I passed Michael and tried to go for Johnny but it was not possible. But anyway, everybody tries their best and I try this weekend to fight for the podium – I am happy and also big thanks to my team because𝓰 every session we are trying for a good set up for the🌄 race and finally we have improved."

Regarding round two later this month, Ass🧔en is a venue that’ꦅs largely been dominated by Rea. 

However, this was also true about Portimaඣo last season where Rea only won once.&nb♋sp;

In 🌊his efforts to get the better🌠 of Rea and also Bautista who is the new championship leader following his double win, the Yamaha rider has hinted at a return to last year’s bike. 

"We’ll see at the next race. Last year, Ass🧸en was not good for me. I think we can come back very strong and also, I think we will come back to the 2021 bike completely, as it will feel much better at Assen," added Razgatlioglu. 

Why a return to the old electronics after claiming this year’s were better? 

Toprak Razgatlioglu, Aragon WorldSBK, 08 April
Toprak Razgatlioglu, Aragon WorldSBK, 08 April

In pre-season testing Razgatlioglu claimedౠ the Japanese manufacturer’s new electronics were a big step forward. 

But after having raced in Aragon, and already switching back to last ye𒅌ar’s package, Razgatlioglu has since said the feeling with 💝the older ones is better. 

Razgatlioglu said: "We went back to the old electronics ꦑthis weekend as I feel much better with the old one, the new one is good but, in some areas, I am feel𒈔ing better with the old one. Maybe we will come back to old set-ups for Assen, but we will see."

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