Who took pole position for the WorldSBK race in Portimão?
Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) secured pole position.
Yanuki
ARTICLE DETAIL
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Motorsport / Worldsbk
Razgatlioglu Shatters Portimão Lap Record for WorldSBK Pole
Toprak Razgatlioglu delivered a stunning performance during the Tissot Superpole session for the Pirelli Portuguese Round of the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship, obliterating the lap record at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve n...
Key Insights
- **Record Demolished:** Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) set an electrifying pole time of 1:39.081s, smashing his own previous lap record set earlier in FP3.
- **Dominant Performance:** The reigning champion improved his time during the session, finishing 0.245s clear of his nearest rival.
- **Ducati Challenge:** Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing - Ducati) secured second place with a 1:39.326s, also faster than the old lap record. Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) completed the front row in third (1:39.483s).
- **Grid Penalties & Incidents:** Andrea Iannone (Team Go Eleven) faces a three-place grid penalty for slow riding in FP3, starting Race 1 from 16th. Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) crashed early and later had his fastest lap deleted due to yellow flags (for a crash by Yari Montella), relegating him to the back of the grid (23rd).
- **Why this matters:** Razgatlioglu's dominant qualifying pace firmly establishes him as the rider to beat in Portimão, putting immense pressure on rivals. The incidents for Iannone and Lowes highlight the high stakes and unforgiving nature of the track, potentially shaking up the race results.
In-Depth Analysis
The Superpole session at Portimão was dominated by Toprak Razgatlioglu's relentless pace. After initially setting a blistering 1:39.133s early in the run, already destroying the existing record, the Turkish rider remarkably lowered the benchmark again later in the session to 1:39.081s, narrowly missing a sub-1:39 lap.
Nicolo Bulega put in a strong performance to qualify second, demonstrating the Ducati Panigale V4 R's potential, while Danilo Petrucci's third place confirmed the strength of the satellite Barni Spark team.
Behind the front row, Andrea Locatelli (Pata Maxus Yamaha) led the Yamaha charge in fourth, followed by Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) who surged late to fifth, and Xavi Vierge (Team HRC) completing row two in sixth.
The session wasn't without drama. Alex Lowes' hopes took a significant hit with an early crash at Turn 13. He managed to get back out and set a time initially good enough for P6, but this lap was cancelled as it occurred under yellow flags deployed for Yari Montella's crash at Turn 11, leaving the Bimota rider last. Andrea Iannone qualified 13th but will start Race 1 from 16th due to a penalty incurred during FP3 for riding slowly.
FAQ
What was the pole position lap time?
Razgatlioglu set a new outright lap record of 1:39.081s.
Who will start on the front row alongside Razgatlioglu?
Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing - Ducati) will start second, and Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) will start third.
Takeaways
- Razgatlioglu's current form makes him the clear benchmark this weekend.
- Ducati riders Bulega and Petrucci are poised to challenge from the front row.
- Starting position is crucial at Portimão; riders like Alex Lowes and Andrea Iannone face a significant challenge recovering from their starting spots.
- Expect intense battles throughout the field as riders contend with the demanding Algarve circuit.
Discussion
Can anyone challenge Razgatlioglu's pace in the races? Let us know!
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Sources
Source 1: WorldSBK Official Report
Source 2: Crash.net Report
Source 3: M Sports Report
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