After missing the Italian World Superbike Round in 2024, Toprak Razgatlioglu was surprised by his speed at Cremona.

Toprak Razgatlioglu was able to take second place in the opening race of the Italian World Superbike Round.

The Turkish rider qualified on the front row of the grid and was immediately in the mix at the front at Cremona.

Razgatlioglu led the first few laps of the race and was able to battle with Nicolo Bulega. However, towards the middle of the race, the two-time World Superbike Champion could not match Bulega.

He ended up crossing the line 2.835 seconds behind Bulega and had to settle for second place for the second time this season.

"I am pushing more than 100%," Razgatlioglu told TNT Sports after the first Superbike race of the weekend.

"The first laps, I am just trying to pass [Nicolo] Bulega because I know he is strong. I was just trying to keep him behind, but I made some small mistakes. I was not sure if it was possible to pass at every corner or not, the last corner is not bad.

"But I tried a different strategy for the last corner, but the bike was not accelerating. Anyway, I tried my best and I am really fighting for the good positions, especially for the win. But we have two more races tomorrow and a lot of data to improve with.

"I hope for tomorrow we can find some more grip, and then maybe we will be fighting for the win."

Razgatlioglu has minimal experience at the Cremona Circuit as he missed the Italian Round in 2024 due to injury. Despite his surprising level of competitiveness in Race One, he is still unhappy as he was not able to beat his title rival.

"I was not expecting this level of performance during the race, I am also very surprised," Razgatlioglu explained.

"But anyway, I did not win so I am not happy."