WSBK Portugal FP3: Toprak Razgatlioglu Breaks Lap Record, Petrucci Follows in P2

Razgatlioglu Sets the Pace with a Stunning Lap Time

The third free practice session of the World Superbike Championship’s Portuguese round at Portimão saw Turkish rider Toprak Razgatlıoglu dominate once again. The 2021 World Champion delivered an electrifying lap, breaking the circuit record with an impressive time of 1:39.446. This secured him the top spot, putting him 0.356 seconds ahead of his closest rival, Danilo Petrucci.

Razgatlıoglu was already the only rider to break the 1:40 barrier in Friday’s second session, as well as during the recent pre-season tests at the Portuguese track. However, Saturday morning’s FP3 session brought a new challenger, with Danilo Petrucci also dipping under 1:40 for the first time this weekend.

Despite this, Toprak Razgatlioglu  record-breaking lap ensured he remained the benchmark heading into the upcoming Superpole and race sessions.

Petrucci Steps Up, Bautista and Lowes in the Mix

Italian rider Danilo Petrucci put in an impressive effort, clocking a 1:39.802 to secure second place in the session. The Barni Spark Racing Team Ducati rider has been gradually improving over the weekend, and his lap under 1:40 confirms that he is a serious contender.

Reigning World Champion Alvaro Bautista was the third-fastest rider, setting a time of 1:40.074 aboard his factory Ducati. Bautista has shown solid pace throughout the weekend but has yet to match the raw speed of Razgatlıoglu.

British rider Alex Lowes, representing Bimota, secured fourth place, while his twin brother, Sam Lowes, rounded out the top five.

Van der Mark, Locatelli, and Bulega in the Chase

Toprak Razgatlioglu Pata Yamaha team-mate Michael van der Mark finished the session in sixth place, posting a respectable lap that keeps him in the fight for a strong grid position. Andrea Locatelli, another Yamaha rider, was the second-fastest representative for the manufacturer, securing seventh place.

Nicolo Bulega, the rising Ducati star, settled for eighth, while Remy Gardner and Dominique Aegerter completed the top ten.

Ryan Vickers Involved in a Heavy Crash

The session was not without drama, as Ryan Vickers suffered a significant crash between Turns 8 and 9. The incident brought out the yellow flags as track marshals attended to the British rider. As of now, there has been no official update regarding his condition, but concerns remain about the severity of the accident.

What’s Next?

With Razgatlıoglu setting a new lap record and showing incredible form, he heads into Superpole and the race as the clear favorite. However, with Petrucci and Bautista closing in, the competition is heating up, promising an exciting battle in Portimão.

Stay tuned for more updates as the World Superbike action continues in Portugal!