The MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship took to track for one final before Sunday’s racing action commences at the Pirelli Portuguese Round. After just 10 minutes of running, it was Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) who took control, continuing an impressive form. It was a huge day for the #54 who had the opportunity to set a new record, with the chance to win 12 consecutive races in WorldSBK.
Razgatlioglu looked confident in Warm Up, ending the session 0.197s clear of Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) in P2. The British rider had yet another confidence-inspiring session after leading the opening stages of Race 1 on Saturday. Behind the #22 was Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati), who claimed a late third, setting a strong time on his final flying lap. Meanwhile, Jonathan Rea (Pata Prometeon Yamaha), will be aiming to bounce back after a quickshifter issue on Saturday, finishing Warm Up in fourth and ahead of Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati).
Sixth place went the way of top independent rider, Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team), who has yet to win in WorldSBK, finishing ahead of compatriot Andrea Iannone (Team GoEleven). The #29 has yet to score any points this weekend, beating Axel Bassani in Warm Up, who continues to look strong in eighth as Michael van der Mark (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) and Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) rounded out the top 10. Meanwhile, Gardner’s teammate Dominique Aegerter (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) was down in 18th position as all attention now turns to an unpredictable day of racing.
The top six from WorldSBK Warm Up, full results here:
1. Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) 1’40.116
2. Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) +0.197
3. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.344
4. Jonathan Rea (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) +0.470
5. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.538
6. Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) +0.542
The Superpole Race is next at Portimao, with lights out at 14:45 Local Time (UTC +1), so make sure you tune in using the WorldSBK VideoPass – now 50% off!
Source: WorldSBK.com