This weekend Toprak Razgatlioglu has the chance to equal, or break, the record for the most consecutive World Superbike race wins.
Toprak Razgatlioglu ended yesterday's World Superbike Free Practice sessions in third place. However, the Turkish rider suffered mechanical issues in both of the sessions. The #54 was forced to miss the last 10 minutes of FP2, but he does not seem fazed by the lost track time.
Coming into Portimao Razgatlioglu leads the WorldSBK standings and his pace on Friday suggests that he could extend his Championship lead across the weekend.
"In FP2 I felt a technical problem and after I came to the box," Razgatlioglu told WorldSBK.com. "After that, it was not possible to ride the bike for the last 10 or 11 minutes.
"But in general I am feeling not bad, before the technical issue I used a used tyre and I am very happy and the bike is good with the used tyre. This is a positive for me because I did a very good job on the used tyre. On an 18-lap tyre, I did a 1:40.9, which is very good for the hot conditions. After I put on a new tyre, but after three or four laps I felt the problem."
When asked about the lost track time Razgatlioglu did not seem too worried. The 2021 WorldSBK Champion believes he knows Portimao well enough to get by without the final 10 minutes of Practice.
"I lose time, but this is no problem because we know this track, everyone knows it," Razgatlioglu continued.
"The only difference is this weekend it is very hot and the grip is less... I lost time on the track, but it is no problem I am happy. It is not always going to go well we had some problems, but I hope we are going to come back strong, especially in the race."
Razgatlioglu has the chance to match the record for the most consecutive WorldSBK race wins in the first race this weekend. When asked about matching the record Razgatlioglu insisted he is more focussed on breaking the record on Sunday than matching it.
"I am thinking about it, but I am focussed on 12 race wins not 11. Tomorrow is the first race, I will try my best like before, I hope we win, and on Sunday in the short race, if I win, we will be 12 race winners."
