Türkiye’s motorbike hero Toprak Razgatlıoğlu flies throughout circuits worldwide, however relating to soccer, his loyalty doesn’t budge – he stands firmly with Beşiktaş.
Speaking after a podium end within the second essential race of the World Superbike Championship’s Italian spherical, the two-time world champion opened up about his footballing allegiance.
“I can’t watch every game, but Beşiktaş’s biggest problem is internal. The players are doing all they can,” Razgatlıoğlu advised Fanatik. “I’ve supported Beşiktaş since I was a child. It came from my father. We’ve seen great days, won championships. I believe we’ll see them again. My favorite player is our goalkeeper, Mert Günok.”
While chasing MotoGP desires, the Rokit BMW rider continues to make headlines on the observe.
At Italy’s Cremona Circuit, Razgatlıoğlu began sturdy within the second race, seizing the lead early after passing Aruba Ducati’s Nicolo Bulega.
But the Italian fought again after 4 laps and by no means regarded again.
Razgatlıoğlu held onto second place to shut out the weekend with a double podium. Alvaro Bautista, additionally of Aruba Ducati, completed third. Fellow Turkish rider Bahattin Sofuoğlu, representing Yamaha Motoxracing, got here in seventeenth.
The outcomes depart Razgatlıoğlu second within the general standings with 164 factors, chasing Bulega, who prolonged his lead with 198. Bautista climbed to 3rd with 125, overtaking Andrea Locatelli. The championship now shifts to Czechia’s Autodrom Most from May 16 to 18.
Reflecting on the race, Razgatlıoğlu acknowledged Ducati’s engine benefit, particularly on nook exits. “It was my first time racing here. I gave it everything. Second isn’t bad, but we always want to win,” he stated. “The track suited my style, but Ducati’s power makes the difference.”
As hypothesis swirls a couple of potential transfer to MotoGP, he confirmed talks are ongoing with two unnamed producers. “Everyone keeps asking. There’s nothing concrete yet. If we get a good offer, we’re ready to go. If not, we stay in Superbike,” he stated. “Ducati is the dream. But they’re not among the ones offering. They don’t give long-term contracts easily – only to their top two riders. If we prove ourselves, I believe we can earn our place there too.”
Despite worldwide acclaim, Razgatlıoğlu stated he feels underappreciated in Türkiye. “Abroad, people recognize me immediately. In Italy and Spain, the attention is overwhelming. But in Türkiye, even when people know the name, they don’t recognize the face,” he stated. “We have supporters in the motor community, but unless you play football, it’s hard to stay in the spotlight here.”
He recalled a latest fan interplay that left a mark. “A young rider told a photographer he wasn’t going to wash his hand after I shook it. Moments like that remind me we’ve become something special.”
Looking forward to Czechia, the Turkish star is targeted on regaining momentum. “Last year, we swept all three races there. But this season’s rule changes mean we can’t assume anything. In two weeks, we’ll go for the top again. I thank everyone in Türkiye for their support. Hopefully, we’ll raise our flag and play the İstiklal Marşı (Turkish National Anthem) from the top step.”
Source: www.dailysabah.com