Toprak Razgatlioglu Storms to Portimão Pole, Obliterates WorldSBK Lap Record Again

 

Toprak Razgatlioglu Storms to Portimão Pole, Obliterates WorldSBK Lap Record Again

Turkish sensation Toprak Razgatlioglu delivered a masterclass in qualifying at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve in Portimão, securing pole position for the 2025 WorldSBK round with a blistering lap that shattered the circuit’s lap record for the second consecutive day. 

The BMW Motorrad star outpaced Ducati’s Nicolo Bulega in a thrilling Superpole session, further cementing his reputation as one of the most electrifying talents in motorcycle racing.

Qualifying Dominance

Under clear skies and ideal track conditions, Razgatlioglu unleashed the full potential of his BMW M 1000 RR, clocking a jaw-dropping time of 1:38.456 during the 15-minute Superpole shootout. 

This not only secured his 25th career WorldSBK pole but also demolished his own lap record set just 24 hours earlier during Free Practice 3. 

The 28-year-old’s relentless pace left the field trailing, with his nearest rival, Bulega, finishing 0.372 seconds adrift despite a valiant effort on his Ducati Panigale V4 R.

Razgatlioglu’s performance was a testament to his symbiotic relationship with the BMW machinery, which has undergone significant technical upgrades this season. 

“The bike felt perfect today,” he remarked post-session. “We’ve worked hard on tire life and corner exit speed, and everything clicked. When I saw the lap time, I couldn’t believe it—this track suits our package perfectly.”

Bulega’s Valiant Effort

Bulega, the 2024 WorldSSP champion now in his sophomore WorldSBK season, pushed Razgatlioglu to the limit but ultimately fell short. 

The Italian’s 1:38.828 lap highlighted Ducati’s raw power on Portimão’s straights, but minor setup struggles in Sector 2’s technical sections cost him critical tenths. 

“Toprak was untouchable today,” Bulega conceded. “We’ll analyze the data and focus on race pace. The Ducati is strong over long runs, so I’m confident for tomorrow.”

Midfield Battles and Surprises

Behind the front row, the battle for grid positions was fierce. Reigning champion Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing Ducati) secured third with a 1:39.104, narrowly edging out Kawasaki’s Jonathan Rea, who continues to adapt to the new ZX-10RR. 

Rea’s 1:39.217 earned him fourth, while Yamaha’s Andrea Locatelli rounded out the top five.

Notable performances included rookie sensation Marc Alcoba (Team HRC Honda), who stunned with sixth place, and Axel Bassani (Motocorsa Racing), who recovered from a crash in FP4 to qualify seventh. 

However, it was a disappointing session for BMW’s Scott Redding and Honda’s Xavi Vierge, both of whom failed to crack the top 10 despite showing strong pace earlier in the weekend.

Record-Breaking Context

Razgatlioglu’s lap record demolition underscores his relentless progression since joining BMW in 2024. Portimão has become a stronghold for the Turk, who claimed a double victory here in 2024. 

His latest exploit raises questions about whether any rider can challenge his supremacy in Sunday’s races. 

With tire management likely to play a pivotal role in the 20-lap contests, Razgatlioglu’s ability to maintain his qualifying speed over race distance will be critical.

Race Day Implications

The Portimão circuit, with its undulating layout and mix of high-speed corners, demands a delicate balance between aggression and precision. 

Razgatlioglu’s pole position grants him a psychological edge, but Bulega and Bautista remain formidable threats. Ducati’s superior top speed could prove decisive on the main straight, while Kawasaki’s Rea—a six-time WorldSBK champion—lurks as a dark horse with his racecraft and consistency.

As the sun sets on Portimão, all eyes are on Toprak Razgatlioglu. The Turkish star’s record-shattering pole lap has set the stage for a blockbuster race day. 

With Bulega hungry for redemption and veterans like Rea and Bautista eager to disrupt BMW’s momentum, Sunday’s races promise high-octane drama. 

For Razgatlioglu, the mission is clear: convert pole into victory and extend his championship lead. If today’s performance is any indicator, the rest of the grid has a mountain to climb.

Race 1 of the 2025 WorldSBK Portuguese Round begins at 12:00 PM local time (GMT+1), with Race 2 and the Superpole Race to follow on Sunday.