Portuguese WorldSBK Race 1: Toprak Razgatlioglu overcomes Nicolo Bulega

Toprak Razgatlioglu delivered a masterclass performance in the 2025 Portuguese WorldSBK Race 1 at Algarve, securing a hard-fought victory against Nicolo Bulega in what was arguably one of the most thrilling battles in recent WorldSBK history.

The reigning champion, representing the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team, showcased his resilience and racing prowess by overcoming a challenging start and engaging in a relentless duel with Bulega throughout the 20-lap race.

Toprak Razgatlioglu’s 2025 Portuguese WorldSBK Race 1 win was marked by precision, determination, and an ability to defend his position under immense pressure.

The race began with Nicolo Bulega, riding for Aruba.it Racing Ducati, taking the holeshot and leading the early laps as Razgatlioglu, who started from pole position, struggled initially and fell back to seventh place.

However, by lap four, the reigning WorldSBK champion had regained momentum and positioned himself directly behind Bulega.

From that point onward, the two riders locked horns in an intense battle that saw them exchange positions nine times over the course of the race.

The duel reached its peak on lap 19 when Bulega briefly overtook Razgatlioglu on the straight before the Turkish rider reclaimed the lead at Turn 3.

Razgatlioglu held firm through the final lap to secure the 2025 Portuguese WorldSBK Race 1 win, crossing the finish line just 0.067 seconds ahead of Bulega—a margin that underscores the razor-thin competition between the two elite riders.

Razgatlioglu’s victory was not only significant for its dramatic nature but also for its historical significance. This marked his 58th career win in WorldSBK, placing him just one triumph behind four-time world champion Carl Fogarty.

Additionally, it was BMW’s sixth win at Portimão, a milestone for the German manufacturer as they continue to establish themselves as a formidable force in WorldSBK.

Behind the leading duo, Andrea Locatelli of Pata Maxus Yamaha secured third place after a consistent performance throughout the race.

Locatelli had briefly held second place during lap one but settled into third as he managed to fend off challenges from Danilo Petrucci of Barni Spark Racing Team Ducati. The Italian racer finished 7.855 seconds behind Razgatlioglu but celebrated his first podium finish of the season.

Xavi Vierge delivered an impressive ride for Honda HRC finishing fifth after showing consistent pace and strategic management of his race.

Vierge’s result was particularly noteworthy given Honda’s ongoing efforts to improve their competitiveness in WorldSBK. His teammate Iker Lecuona also performed admirably, finishing eleventh despite recovering from a recent injury.

Michael van der Mark claimed sixth place for ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team with a solid ride that demonstrated his ability to navigate through challenging conditions.

Andrea Iannone made a remarkable recovery from a grid penalty that placed him in 16th at the start, ultimately finishing seventh for Team Pata GoEleven Ducati.

Dominique Aegerter (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team), Axel Bassani (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team), and Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) rounded out the top ten after engaging in their own battle for positions.

The 2025 Portuguese WorldSBK Race 1 was not without drama, as several high-profile riders faced setbacks.

Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) and Scott Redding (MGM BONOVO Racing Ducati) collided on lap one at Turn 4, resulting in both riders crashing out of contention.

Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) also crashed out after climbing from 23rd on the grid to ninth before his fall at Turn 1. His brother Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team Ducati) suffered a similar fate earlier in the race while running fourth.

The championship standings have shifted following this race, with Bulega maintaining his lead with 82 points while Razgatlioglu sits second with 45 points.

READ ALSO:

• Portuguese WorldSBK Superpole: Toprak Razgatlioglu breaks Portimao lap record
• Razgatlioglu tops Portuguese WorldSBK FP2
• Portuguese WorldSBK FP1: Nicolo Bulega leads Ducati 1-2

2025 Portuguese WorldSBK Race 1 Results