Razgatlioglu Matches Record with 11th Consecutive Win in Thrilling Portimao Race

Toprak Razgatlioglu showcased his remarkable prowess on the world stage of motorcycle racing, matching the illustrious record for consecutive wins in the World Superbike series. The Turkish rider achieved this milestone by clinching victory in the opening race at the Portimao circuit in Portugal, marking his 11th win in a row. Razgatlioglu’s latest triumph was not without its challenges; he had to fend off fierce competition from reigning double champion Álvaro Bautista and a host of determined riders. With a mere 0.78 seconds separating him from Bautista, who mounted a valiant charge aboard his Ducati, Razgatlioglu's victory underscored both his skill and tenacity. The race was a thrilling spectacle, showcasing high-octane action among the top contenders, as Italian Danilo Petrucci secured third place after a series of intense battles at the front. Razgatlioglu now enjoys an impressive 80-point lead over his closest rival in the championship standings, Nicolo Bulega. The achievement places Razgatlioglu alongside Bautista, who previously recorded 11 consecutive wins in both the 2019 and 2023 seasons, and Jonathan Rea, who matched the feat during his successful 2019 campaign en route to one of his six world titles. As Razgatlioglu maintains his momentum, he has the opportunity to break this record in the upcoming Superpole event and the second feature race scheduled for Sunday. The 2021 World Superbike champion has proved his dominance since the Assen round in April, where he clinched the final race, followed by a string of treble wins in Italy, the United Kingdom, and the Czech Republic. Meanwhile, Bautista’s race on Saturday was notable for his comeback after a sluggish start, as he worked his way through the pack to not only overtake Petrucci but also celebrate a significant milestone—his 100th podium finish in World Superbike history. In the race's overall results, American Garrett Gerloff finished fourth, while England’s Alex Lowes and Michael van der Mark rounded out the top six. Notably, Northern Ireland’s Jonathan Rea, who holds the record for the most wins at Portimao with 13, had a disappointing outing, finishing in 15th place. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Razgatlioglu, as he aims not just to extend his winning streak but also to secure his standing as one of the sport's current greats. The upcoming races promise to deliver more thrilling action as the championship battle heats up.