Jonathan Rea edged Danilo Petrucci and Toprak Razgatlioglu to claim the fastest time in third practice for the 2024 Estoril WorldSBK.
The session was marked by challenging weather conditions, as rain returned to the Circuito do Estoril, creating a damp track that tested the riders’ skills and adaptability.
Pata Prometeon Yamaha’s Jonathan Rea displayed his proficiency in wet conditions to mark his first lead since joining the Japanese manufacturer after finishing with a best lap time of 1:53.126.
The session began with riders cautiously navigating the slippery surface and Rea quickly established himself as a front-runner, spending much of the session maneuvering around competitors like Toprak Razgatlioglu and Alvaro Bautista.
The six-time champion’s ability to find grip and maintain speed in the wet was evident as he consistently improved his lap times.
Meanwhile Barni Spark Racing Ducati’s Danilo Petrucci also performed exceptionally well, securing second place with a time of 1:53.358. This comes after the Italian rider finished inside the top three in all Friday practice sessions with his consistent performance making him a strong contender for the Independent Riders’ title.
Toprak Razgatlioglu, riding for ROKiT BMW Motorrad, finished closely behind Petrucci in third place with a time of 1:53.368. His impressive speed in both dry and wet conditions has kept him in contention for more wins this weekend as he edges closer to the 2024 WorldSBK Championship title.
Razgatlioglu’s teammate Michael van der Mark took fourth place with a time of 1:54.386, while Alvaro Bautista rounded out the top five with a lap time of 1:54.410. Andrea Locatelli secured sixth position with a time of 1:54.454, demonstrating solid performance for Yamaha alongside Rea.
Xavi Vierge from Team HRC Honda finished seventh with a time of 1:54.832, while Motocorsa Ducati’s Michael Ruben Rinaldi and Aruba.it Ducati’s Nicolo Bulega followed in eighth and ninth respectively. Remy Gardner’s performance was noteworthy as he rounded out the top ten with a lap time of 1:55.960.
As the session progressed, riders faced increasing challenges due to the rain, which affected visibility and grip levels on the track. Many riders struggled to find their rhythm as they adapted to changing conditions. The top contenders managed to maintain their focus and capitalize on their experience to navigate through these difficulties.
Rea’s dominance in FP3 is particularly significant given his previous performances this season and his history at Estoril. His ability to adapt to wet conditions has often set him apart from other riders, making him a formidable competitor in any race scenario.
The results from FP3 set an exciting stage for the upcoming races at the 2024 Estoril WorldSBK, with several riders demonstrating their potential to challenge for podium finishes.
The mixed weather conditions have added an unpredictable element to the competition, ensuring that fans can expect thrilling races ahead.
