Coming as he does from the school of hard racing headed by his compatriot and WorldSSP GOAT Kenan Sofuoglu, Toprak Razgatlioglu was always going to have a go at passing long time Race One leader Scott Redding, but it was the second go that got everybody talking afterwards.

And got Toprak to within 12 points of Rea as the championship pendulum swung back from green to blue.

He knew it had been a whopper of a race. “I tried every lap at 100 per cent in this race. I saw Johnny crash. Every lap I try to make less mistakes every corner, because I’m feeling a little bit coming every lap. But was not closing the gap enough.

"I did not say second position is enough, because I need to also win again because I’m very hungry for win. I’m really happy to have won. In the last corner… a little bit mistake with Redding because I try very hard braking and also it was my last chance. The rear my bike was sliding too much and it not possible for enter, and a little bit touching.

He’s very angry now, but this is racing. I’m happy he did not crash. But this is racing. I try every corner to attack. I needed these points for the championship. We are here.”

Razgatlioglu demurred on giving himself a mark out of ten for how aggressive his final pass was, but he said instead, “I don't know, I was just focused to pass Redding. But on the last lap he use the line a little bit outside, but I was coming outside and try again on the right side. Bike was sliding. I’m happy he not crash, but this is racing. Also Johnny this race was also coming too much inside and sliding, but this is the race.”

After listening to what Redding had said shortly before, that if he had protected his line correctly, both would crash, Razgatlioglu said, “Yeah, possible this, but I’m not pushing the front brake. Because the rear was sliding, and I release the brake a little bit because front sliding, we would crash together. Better finish the race, I think.”

Razgatlioglu was amazed that Rea had crashed out completely. “I am surprised hearing Jonny crashed. I don't know how many times, but I see just his crash. I’m surprised. I try every lap catching Redding, but he’s also very fast the first sector and second sector also. But every lap I tried. Also, my rear tyre was doing too much sliding, and also the front.”

Razgatlioglu was not one who thought Most in general was too dangerous to race at in 2021, but said some parts could be improved. “At this track just the first corner is dangerous. I have not watched the race, but it is a very difficult first corner. I like this circuit because also fun For me, no problem.”

Much to the chagrin of the media at the previous round in Assen, and their readerships of course, neither Garrett Gerloff nor Toprak Razgatlioglu went to speak to the media, but Razgatlioglu was finally asked about the collision that robbed him of important championship points. Are they still on speaking terms?

“Yeah, we are talking,” confirmed Razgatlioglu. “In Assen we were not talking, but here we are talking. He said sorry. This is normal, but I’m always saying just angry. I am also Yamaha rider. He is a big mistake. But anyway, this is life not finished. We are speaking. Also he is a good friend, but a big mistake this year also. But it’s okay. No problem.”