Toprak Razgatlıoğlu Claimed Second WSBK Crown
A record-breaking debut season with his new ROKiT BMW Motorrad team.
Words by FP Team
BMW MOTORRAD
Jerez de la Frontera was the stage for an extraordinary finale to the 2024 FIM Superbike World Championship, a weekend that can only be described as a fairytale for BMW Motorrad Motorsport. Toprak Razgatlioglu from the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team was officially crowned World Champion on Saturday, thanks to his impressive performance on the BMW M 1000 RR. By clenching his 18th win of the season in Sunday's main race, Razgatlioglu not only celebrated his title but also helped secure a podium finish for teammate Michael van der Mark, who took third place.
Arriving at Jerez with a commanding lead in the points, Razgatlioglu only needed a second-place finish in the first race on Saturday to secure the championship but was eager to add to his victories. Following a strong performance in the Superpole race where he finished second, he returned to the top of the podium in the day’s main event. Van der Mark, bouncing back from two sixth-place finishes, showcased his talent by achieving a podium finish in the final race, marking a significant conclusion to his season.
The Bonovo action BMW Racing Team also saw this race weekend as their last with the BMW M 1000 RR, as their partnership concluded after four memorable years. Garrett Gerloff wrapped up his season with two seventh-place finishes, while Scott Redding finished in twelfth both times. Overall, in the 2024 season, the talented riders on the BMW M 1000 RR collected a remarkable total of 19 victories, along with 12 additional podium finishes. In the manufacturers' championship standings, BMW finished a commendable second.
Ending the season on a high note, Toprak Razgatlıoğlu celebrated his second WSBK title with flair and excitement. After finishing second in the opening race, Razgatlıoğlu knew a top-three finish was essential to secure the championship, something he achieved behind his main rival, Nicolo Bulega.
Starting from the front row, Razgatlıoğlu quickly established his place, matching Bulega's pace and commanding a substantial lead over their competitors. In the final laps, with the championship in sight, he allowed Bulega to take the win while comfortably securing his position in second place, moving ever closer to his championship title. The post-race celebrations were nothing short of spectacular. Razgatlıoğlu entered a spaceship-shaped tent to the joy of fans and media alike, where he changed into custom golden racing leathers and donned an alien face mask, embodying the excitement of his victory.
Despite transitioning from the Pata Yamaha team, where he had notable success, to the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team, many doubted Razgatlıoğlu's decision. However, he silenced critics entirely by breaking records with 13 consecutive wins early in the season. A brief setback due to a crash during Free Practice 2 in France did not deter him, as he bounced back triumphantly in Portugal, culminating in a deserving championship celebration in Jerez.
worldsbk.com
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Nov 05, 2024 More in Journal
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