Toprak Razgatlioglu has just been crowned the World Superbike Champion for the second time in his career – giving BMW its first riders’ title in the championship. The second place in the first race in Jerez was enough to secure the title, despite the victory of his main rival, Nicolò Bulega (Aruba.it Ducati).
Both front-runners had a good start, with Nicolò Bulega (Aruba.it Ducati) leading and Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW) in second. The Italian had no choice but to win, while the Turkish rider only needed second place to celebrate the title.
Andrea Locatelli (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) was in third. Some falls happened in the first lap, including one from a contender for the top spots: Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team/Ducati). In the second lap, Álvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Ducati), who was trying to recover from starting in 15th, also crashed.
OH NO!💥@Petrux9 is out of Race 1!#SpanishWorldSBK 🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/SEjSdHeLif
— WorldSBK (@WorldSBK) October 19, 2024
The top two began to distance themselves from the others, while Locatelli was pressured by Alex Lowes (Kawasaki). With 12 laps to go, Bulega was further isolating himself, while Razgatlioglu did not need to attack for the win, knowing that even third place would be enough.
Meanwhile, Lowes continued to pursue Locatelli for third place, with Iker Lecuona (Team HRC) not far behind.
#LokaNotOnX still in the podium positions, but Alex Lowes is close behind👀⚔️#SpanishWorldSBK 🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/oncEaNCPPw
— WorldSBK (@WorldSBK) October 19, 2024
However, Locatelli managed to gain a more comfortable margin in the last ten laps. At the front, there weren’t many changes. Bulega isolated himself, and Razgatlioglu calmly managed his second place.
The race concluded with Bulega claiming victory 6.067s ahead of Razgatlioglu – who thus secured the title, being the rider with the most reasons to celebrate this Saturday. Locatelli rounded out the podium ahead of Lowes and Lecuona.
