Toprak Razgatlioglu was in a sanguine mood after having a tremendous final WorldSBK victory in Yamaha colours abruptly taken away from him by stewards, but says he is proud to put his all into his last race with the manufacturer.

Facing off with Alvaro Bautista in a classic duel that arguably surpassed the much-discussed Race 2 at Portimao earlier in the month, Razgatlioglu gave a herculean performance to repel repeated advances from his title-winning rival.

Saving his best until the last corner when he allowed Bautista to slither through before cutting back up the inside of him on the exit to lead across the line, alas his celebrations were put on hold when stewards demoted him by a position for venturing over track limits on the final lap.

Though perplexed by the penalty after claiming he wasn’t aware of his indiscretion, Razgatlioglu was nonetheless proud to have given his all in his final appearance for Yamaha before he switches to BMW machinery.

2023 WorldSBK Championship | FINAL Standings

“I passed the chequered flag in P1, this is good for me. I touched the green for track limits, but I didn’t understand as I felt the bike sliding. 

“Maybe, after sliding, I touched it. I didn’t gain an advantage, but rules are rules. For my last day with Yamaha, I just tried to finish in a good position. I needed to try to have good memories of my last race and winning with Yamaha. I’m a little bit sad, but I did a very good job. 

“I gave more than 100% just like at Portimao; I am really fighting with him. I needed some luck because, in the last two races, I didn’t have luck. 

“I’m sad but generally happy for my last race with Yamaha, because everybody could see I gave more than 100%.”

The reversal of positions meant broader implications for his Pata Yamaha team as it meant it would end the year tied with Aruba.it Racing in the fight for the teams’ championship. However, Aruba.it Racing’s greater number of wins - 29 to Pata Yamaha’s seven - would give it the nod on countback.