Scott Redding talks about the riding style of BMW brand colleague Toprak Razgatlioglu and notes that the Turk is very clever with his package
BMW high-flyer Toprak Razgatlioglu is currently rewriting the history of the Superbike World Championship. The former world champion celebrated his 13th consecutive race win at the recent WSBK weekend in Portimao. There has never been such a long winning streak in the Superbike World Championship. Even exceptional riders like Jonathan Rea or Alvaro Bautista were not so dominant in their peak phases. BMW brand colleague Scott Redding is also impressed
“Toprak is a step ahead at the moment,” confirms Redding and explains: “He’s very clever. Last year, when he fought Alvaro, he had to give 100 percent from the start and fight as long as he could. Now he is ahead and can manage his tires.”
According to Redding, Razgatlioglu uses his advantages very skillfully and knows when to attack. “He knows his strengths. I saw it from the front row and realized how clever he is with his package,” remarks the Briton, who has recently been clearly overshadowed by Razgatlioglu.
Razgatlioglu seems untouchable, especially in the direct duels. “Toprak can hold his own nine times out of ten because he is so determined, takes a lot of risks and has advantages thanks to his braking style. He rides phenomenally,” marvels Redding.
Such dominance is unusual in a world championship. “I’ve always told people that this guy is special. I was always told that I could do the same. But to be honest, I can’t copy that,” admits Redding, who is much more reserved with his statements than in the past.
“I can’t copy what he does,” Redding clarifies. “He is the next generation. I have no problem saying that. It also doesn’t mean he won’t be beaten one day. We have different styles. He has a very high level of confidence and uses the potential of the bike like no other rider. “
Scott Redding back on Ducati in WSBK 2025?
After seven of twelve WSBK events, Razgatlioglu leads the riders’ standings with 365 points and is almost 100 points ahead of his closest rival, Ducati rider Nicolo Bulega. Things have not gone according to plan for Redding so far this year. The Briton is in P14 in the World Championship with just 48 points, making him the fourth-best BMW rider
It is still unclear what the future holds for Redding. The Briton is theoretically under contract with BMW until the end of 2025. But due to the Bonovo team dissolution, there is no place at BMW. However, Redding could join Bonovo team manager Michael Galinski’s new MGM project and ride a Ducati Panigale V4R in 2025