Razgatlioglu controversially loses WorldSBK win to title rival Rea after penalty

Toprak Razgatlioglu has been denied his first-ever hat-trick of WorldSBK Championship victories over a single weekend after stewards belatedly penalised him for his overtake on Jonathan Rea through the final corner of the Superpole Race.

The Turkish rider was responded to the challenge of Rea slicing his way through into the lead though the quick Nurburgring chicane, Razgatlioglu taking advantage of his and the Yamaha’s R1’sd superior strength and stability in the braking zone to out-anchor Rea through Lycee.

However, Rea hung it out around the outside, forcing Razgatlioglu into a tight but preferential line through the short right-left flick onto the home straight and the flag. 

With Razgatlioglu going on to win the third held race of the weekend, it seemed the new solo championship leader would have plenty to celebrate but for stewards clamping down on him hitting the Astroturf.

As such, stewards reversed the top two with Rea instead being crowned the race winner, with Razgatlioglu in second position. 

Brilliant racing and brilliant respect



This attitude from the top riders of the championship after the fight is just incredible#FRAWorldSBK pic.twitter.com/GeEhMqboWV

— WorldSBK (@WorldSBK) September 5, 2021

It means the margin between the two riders in the overall standings slims to 10 points in Razgatlioglu’s favour.

The first of a triple-header kicks off on 18-19 September at the Circuit de Barcelona Catalunya, followed directly by Jerez and Portimao.