Turkish rider Toprak Razgatlıoğlu won his second WSBK championship during his maiden season with the ROKiT BMW Motorrad team.
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Turkish sensation Toprak Razgatlıoğlu capped off a record-breaking 2024 World Superbike (WSBK) season by securing his second world title at the final round in Jerez, Spain. Riding for the ROKiT BMW Motorrad team in what has been a debut season to remember, Razgatlıoğlu celebrated his championship triumph spectacularly.
The weekend kicked off in style as Razgatlıoğlu sealed the championship on Saturday, riding his BMW M 1000 RR to a second-place finish, which was enough to secure the title. By Sunday, he added his 18th win of the season, while teammate Michael van der Mark joined him on the podium, finishing third to complete a splendid result for the BMW squad.
Starting from the front row, Razgatlıoğlu needed only a top-three finish to clinch the title, which he achieved by placing second behind title rival Nicolo Bulega. The Turkish rider managed his race expertly, initially challenging Bulega before easing off to focus on securing the championship. As the laps ticked down, Razgatlıoğlu maintained a comfortable gap, ensuring his position as the 2024 WSBK world champion.
Razgatlıoğlu then celebrated in a unique manner, going into a spaceship-shaped tent and donning custom golden leather and an alien mask—much to the delight of the fans. It was a fitting end to a phenomenal season.
Razgatlıoğlu’s move from Pata Yamaha to ROKiT BMW ahead of 2024 raised eyebrows, with many questioning his decision. However, he silenced his critics by winning a record 13 consecutive races early in the season. Despite suffering a crash at the French round, which forced him to miss races in France and Italy, Razgatlıoğlu returned to form with victories in Portugal, securing his path to the title.
Reflecting on his season, Razgatlıoğlu said, “I want to thank the entire BMW family for an incredible year. We worked hard as a team, and winning 13 races in a row was special. I’m proud of what we achieved, and it was amazing to stand on the podium with Mickey (van der Mark). He’s pushed hard all year, and we’re excited for next season.”
BMW Motorrad Motorsport boss Sven Blusch echoed the sentiment, praising Razgatlıoğlu’s historic achievement: “Toprak and the team have made history for BMW. His determination and skill have been incredible. It’s a proud moment for everyone at BMW.”
The weekend also marked Razgatlıoğlu’s first win since being crowned champion, while his teammate’s podium finish highlighted BMW’s growing strength in the series.
Other notable performances included Andrea Iannone (Team Go Eleven Ducati), who narrowly missed out on the podium, finishing fourth, and Kawasaki’s Alex Lowes, who took fifth. WorldSBK privateer rider Danilo Petrucci finished sixth, followed by Garrett Gerloff (Bonovo Action BMW) in seventh.
Meanwhile, reigning 2023 champion Alvaro Bautista’s struggles continued, as a mechanical issue followed by a crash ended his race prematurely.
With the 2024 title secured, Razgatlıoğlu and BMW are already looking ahead to next season, aiming to defend their crown and continue their dominance in the World Superbike championship.
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