Spain's Jerez de la Frontera circuit was the setting for the season finale of the FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK). Nicolò Bulega was determined to make the most of his opportunity while it lasted.
WorldSBK: Toprak 'El Turco' Razgatlioglu, out-and-out champion!
There was no need to arrive late this weekend, as we knew the championship leader was eager to free himself from any possible pressure. However, pole-sitter Nicolò Bulega still harboured hopes of thwarting the odds and snatching the crown from Razgatlioglu... But it was short-lived. In the opening laps, Bulega and Razgatlioglu broke away at the front, but despite an attempt to close the gap, the Turk had to settle for second place behind an untouchable Bulega. However, with this result, the BMW driver scored the points he needed to secure the title before the weekend was even over. Andrea Locatelli completed the podium, but attention was already focused on the new champion...
Statement from the newly-crowned 2024 World Superbike Champion, Toprak Razgatlioglu:
It's an incredible feeling to be World Champion again. I'm extremely proud of the team. We've worked tirelessly, and no one would have believed that we could win this title in our first season together. We've continually improved the bike, and there's more to come. Next year, we'll be back even stronger!
Results Race 1 (Top 5)
Superpole results (Top 5)
Results Race 2 (Top 5)
With nothing much at stake, the season ended on a disappointing note, with the race interrupted by a red flag due to track conditions. The final results were based on the last timing point.
Toprak Razgatlioglu: A season of domination and records
For Toprak Razgatlioglu, this title marks the culmination of an extraordinary season, during which he was entitled to all manner of superlatives. It all began in December 2023, with his first test on the BMW M 1000 RR in Portimão. At the very first round at Phillip Island in February, he finished on the podium, heralding an exceptional year. Then, in Barcelona in March, he scored his first victory with BMW. The real turning point came in June at Misano, where he had a perfect weekend, winning all three races and taking the championship lead a third of the way through the season.
It was the start of an unshakeable domination, with n54 taking victory after victory, bringing his total to 13 consecutive wins, an all-time record. By Portimão, he held a 92-point lead over his rivals, making the prospect of the title almost inevitable. However, an injury-inducing crash at Magny-Cours in September almost jeopardized his season. Despite missing three meetings, he managed to hold on to the championship lead, ending the season with a comfortable lead of... 43 points!
HISTORY HAS BEEN WRITTEN!
WorldSBK (@WorldSBK) October 19, 2024
@toprak_tr54 is the 2024 #WorldSBK CHAMPION#BackOnTOPrak #SpanishWorldSBK pic.twitter.com/GIbMb2ECRP
Superbike: BMW in the history books, Ducati crowned!
This victory marks a historic moment for BMW, which finally clinches its first world title in the category.
Markus Flasch, Managing Director of BMW Motorrad, made no secret of his enthusiasm:
Today is an important milestone for BMW. We're celebrating our first WorldSBK title thanks to Toprak, who has had a more than impressive season. He proved what an exceptional athlete he is, a model of determination and a fan favorite, with his humility and sense of humor.
While Razgatlioglu crushed the competition in the riders' standings, Ducati did not leave empty-handed. The manufacturers' and teams' titles are rightfully theirs.
World Superbike Championship final standings :
Bulega, despite his brilliant rookie campaign (and 57 points this weekend), has to be content with second place in the championship. Álvaro Bautista completes the championship podium. Both can take comfort from Ducati's success. Danilo Petrucci finished fourth, after a season marked by three victories in Cremona.
Toprak Razgatlioglu in MotoGP? Not just yet
At 28, Toprak Razgatlioglu is at the top of his game. Although the prospect of a move to MotoGP, with Yamaha, has been raised, the Turk will continue with BMW in WorldSBK for at least one more season. In the meantime, behind-the-scenes discussions are multiplying, particularly on the BMW side, which is no longer hiding its ambitions of one day joining the premier class. Sven Blush, the new head of BMW's racing division, says: "We're looking at the world of motorcycle racing, and MotoGP is obviously the top priority. However, we'll need a few more months before making a final decision. "
It's said that the train doesn't run twice, and Toprak Razgatlioglu will certainly be an exception to the rule...
Supersport category: Adrian Huertas, a talent beyond his time!
While Razgatlioglu was taking the Superbike crown, another young prodigy was making a name for himself. Adrian Huertas, aged just 21, was crowned World Supersport Champion, becoming the youngest ever to win this prestigious title. The Spanish prodigy has had an impressive season and is shaping up to be one of motorcycle racing's rising stars.
From now on, all eyes will gradually turn to 2025, when Razgatlioglu and BMW will attempt to defend their crown. In any case, Bimota is ready (News to follow).